Gary Naturist
02-01-2004, 10:21 PM
People continue to debate whether nudism is growing or declining. If you?re wondering about this yourself, read on.
If you read Dr. David Foot's book, Boom, Bust and Echo, about the influence of the Baby Boom generation on our society, you won?t be surprised at my making the following two statements:
1. Nudism will continue to grow rapidly over the next 10 years.
2. The nature of nudism is changing, and will continue to change.
Our economy and our lifestyles have been significantly affected by the influence of the Boomer generation ? those born in the period 1946-64 (Canada 1945-60). This generation spans almost 20 years (Canada 15 years), and is now in their 40s and 50s.
This age group gets the most attention because of its size -- its demands and buying power. As the group ages, each individual?s interests and requirements change in relatively predictable ways, and so for the group as a whole.
Examples of the changing influence of Boomers: Some years ago when Boomers were younger, active sports like tennis and skiing were very big business. Now cottages are in great demand, and prices are escalating as a result. In a few years, retirement communities and assisted living facilities will experience rapid growth.
In North America, nudism has always been most appealing to older adults (45-65+), probably because older people have gotten more comfortable with their bodies and they aren't fully occupied raising kids. As this age group grows due to the Boomer bulge, nudism is certain to grow as well.
But nudism will change. Boomers have been physically more active than the previous generation, are better educated, in better health, and have more money to spend than the previous generation. This means that nudists will be looking for leisure time activities that are more varied, more active and more upscale. Boomers like to travel and this fact is illustrated by the rapid growth of nudist cruises in the last few years.
A warning note for landed nudist clubs. The clubs that will grow and prosper over the next 10 years will tend to be the ones that offer the most variety (e.g. including off-site trips) and that are more upscale (e.g. Caliente).
Because Boomers are now adding rapidly to the age group that is most attracted to nudism (at least in North America), nudism will become more accepted by society as whole. Society?s attitudes tend to be those of its largest group, the Boomers. We are seeing this already, with increased, and respectful, attention being given to nudism and nudists by the media, which is quick to spot trends and emerging interests.
We also see some signs that our aging population is becoming more tolerant of public or publicly accessible nudity ? more accepted clothing-optional beaches, increased attendance at nude swims, more back yard nudity, tolerance of nude people at some major outdoor events / parades. However, while the population as a whole may be increasingly tolerant, politicians, law enforcement officials and the courts typically lag in reflecting the current attitudes of society, so those who prefer public (vs private) nudity will have to be patient still.
Although the Boomer factor is likely to be the greatest influence on nudism over the next 10 years or so, it won?t be the only one. There are other factors at play, both positive and negative, which will affect how nudists are perceived, and how nudism grows. But, thanks to the Boomers, the medium-term success of nudism is assured.
Gary
If you read Dr. David Foot's book, Boom, Bust and Echo, about the influence of the Baby Boom generation on our society, you won?t be surprised at my making the following two statements:
1. Nudism will continue to grow rapidly over the next 10 years.
2. The nature of nudism is changing, and will continue to change.
Our economy and our lifestyles have been significantly affected by the influence of the Boomer generation ? those born in the period 1946-64 (Canada 1945-60). This generation spans almost 20 years (Canada 15 years), and is now in their 40s and 50s.
This age group gets the most attention because of its size -- its demands and buying power. As the group ages, each individual?s interests and requirements change in relatively predictable ways, and so for the group as a whole.
Examples of the changing influence of Boomers: Some years ago when Boomers were younger, active sports like tennis and skiing were very big business. Now cottages are in great demand, and prices are escalating as a result. In a few years, retirement communities and assisted living facilities will experience rapid growth.
In North America, nudism has always been most appealing to older adults (45-65+), probably because older people have gotten more comfortable with their bodies and they aren't fully occupied raising kids. As this age group grows due to the Boomer bulge, nudism is certain to grow as well.
But nudism will change. Boomers have been physically more active than the previous generation, are better educated, in better health, and have more money to spend than the previous generation. This means that nudists will be looking for leisure time activities that are more varied, more active and more upscale. Boomers like to travel and this fact is illustrated by the rapid growth of nudist cruises in the last few years.
A warning note for landed nudist clubs. The clubs that will grow and prosper over the next 10 years will tend to be the ones that offer the most variety (e.g. including off-site trips) and that are more upscale (e.g. Caliente).
Because Boomers are now adding rapidly to the age group that is most attracted to nudism (at least in North America), nudism will become more accepted by society as whole. Society?s attitudes tend to be those of its largest group, the Boomers. We are seeing this already, with increased, and respectful, attention being given to nudism and nudists by the media, which is quick to spot trends and emerging interests.
We also see some signs that our aging population is becoming more tolerant of public or publicly accessible nudity ? more accepted clothing-optional beaches, increased attendance at nude swims, more back yard nudity, tolerance of nude people at some major outdoor events / parades. However, while the population as a whole may be increasingly tolerant, politicians, law enforcement officials and the courts typically lag in reflecting the current attitudes of society, so those who prefer public (vs private) nudity will have to be patient still.
Although the Boomer factor is likely to be the greatest influence on nudism over the next 10 years or so, it won?t be the only one. There are other factors at play, both positive and negative, which will affect how nudists are perceived, and how nudism grows. But, thanks to the Boomers, the medium-term success of nudism is assured.
Gary