Gas and Summer Travel Boomer Poll
Document sans titre
Today, Eons.com,
the largest social networking site for baby boomers, revealed the findings of
its "Gas and Summer Travel Boomer Poll," which polled more than 750
members of the Eons.com community. The poll was conducted between June 5-19,
2008 and asked boomers, "How is the price of gas affecting your summer
travel plans?" and "How is the price of gas affecting your everyday
travel?" The poll revealed that 38 percent of boomers are not traveling
this summer or have postponed a scheduled trip.
For boomers who are still
traveling, 23 percent have altered their summer travel destinations to "stay
closer to home." The poll also showed that more than 75 percent of boomers
are simply driving less, opting to make fewer trips out, visit people less often
and shop online more frequently.
"Despite being regarded
as the generation with the most disposable income, many boomers who live on
a fixed income are very affected by rising costs," said Jeff Taylor, Eons.com
founder and CEO. "On Eons.com, we noticed that our members were sharing
stories about dealing with the high costs of fuel and offering advice to other
members on how to cut expenses in groups such as 'Frugal Over 50,' 'Squeaking
by Retirement,' and 'Getting by in a Bad Economy.'"
Full survey results
are as follows:
How is the price of gas
affecting your summer travel plans?
I decided not to travel
this summer or canceled/postponed a scheduled trip 38.4%
It didn't affect my travel plans 33%
I changed my plans to include a destination closer to home 22.7%
I will travel by bus/train/plane instead of driving 6%
How is the price of gas affecting your everyday travel?
I simply drive less: make fewer trips out, visit people less often, shop online,
etc. 75.6%
It isn't affecting my everyday travel 11.3%
I have downsized or plan to downsize my car 6.5%
I have been walking or riding my bike/moped more often 4.3%
Instead of driving I've been
taking public transportation and/or carpooling 2.2%
"Last April, my wife and I sold our sedan and purchased a hybrid to bring
down our monthly gas expenses," said Dale Conover, a 50-year-old from Glendale,
Ariz. and Eons member since March 2007. "Despite the lifestyle changes,
we've still had to cut back on our non-work related driving. All expendable
income is crucial and we postponed a family road trip to Texas for at least
one year until the gas prices go down, if they ever do."
Methodology
The "Gas and Summer
Travel Boomer Poll" was conducted of Eons.com members from June 5-19, 2008.
More than 750 of Eons.com baby boomer members participated in the survey.
About Eons
Eons.com is the online
community for spirited BOOMers who want to explore their passions, keep in touch
with friends, connect with interesting people to share life experiences and
most of all have fun. Founded by Jeff Taylor, creator of Monster.com, Eons,
Inc. has attracted a team of renowned advisors and industry-leading partners
and is backed by venture capital financing from General Catalyst Partners, Sequoia
Capital, Charles River Ventures and Intel Capital, as well as Humana, Inc. It
is supported by corporate founding partners Humana, Inc. and Verizon Wireless.
Eons is headquartered in Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston. For more information
about Eons, visit www.eons.com.
By
KS Date
27-08-2008
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