Aging population faces the future.

To a great extent, social and financial trends in the U.S. are and will continue to be shaped well into the 21st century by the aging of the population. One out of every four Americans is older than 50, and a person over that age heads 43% of all households. Of the nation's total financial assets, 77% are controlled by that age group, and 51% of spendable discretionary income is in their hands.

To determine the attitudes of those over 50 toward themselves and social and financial issues, Strategic Directions Group, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., asked respondents to rank 60 statements on such topics as finances, retirement, appearance, activities, and housing. Based on their answers, they were broken down into four groups: Upbeat Enjoyers (22%), Insecure (29%), Threatened Actives (21%), and Financial Positives (28%).

Upbeat Enjoyers. Far more than the other segments, Upbeat Enjoyers are optimistic about their future and feel their best years are now and yet to come, and they want to remain active. They are interested in going on cruises and like taking long trips by car or recreational...