Those looking ahead to retirement, starting with the baby boomers, are even more likely to view retirement as an opportunity to start a new life with new activities. Active engagement includes the pursuit of employment and volunteer opportunities. It also includes lifelong learning and other activities that keep middle-aged and older individuals involved in their communities. Research clearly shows that actively engaged individuals are more likely to remain mentally and physically stimulated and, as a result, to enjoy a better quality of life. The pace and course of societal and marketplace changes create compelling consumer protection needs for older Americans.
Older people are often the targets of unscrupulous business practices.
Consumer information and protection resources give people many options as they develop life course plans, and make daily purchasing decisions. This includes information about a company's products and services, such as complaints about inadequate service or compliments for outstanding customer service. A rich body of information is available about how to maintain physical and mental health, achieve an adequate level of economic security, remain as independent and safe as possible, live an active and productive life, and be a wise consumer. Taken together, this valuable information can help form durable individual life course plans. The aging and the longevity of the population provide new opportunities and responsibilities for people to plan for much longer life spans than ever before in the history of humankind.