Are the pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies convincing us that aging is a disease?

Answer 1

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=22235&cat_id=9

the above link is a great explanation of the fear of ageing.
what follows is a frightening report of retail and ageing, and i suspect that is the main reason for ageing consumerism to be so high and the media's obssession with wrinkles - ITS ALL ABOUT BUSINESS AND MONEY.

At any age, the future is uncertain and brings new challenges and responsibilities. Fear of Ageing examines how significant life stages affect consumers' behavior, covering worries over loss of attractiveness, financial concerns, and how consumers respond to new lifestyle needs. By knowing why consumers change their habits, manufacturers and retailers can target consumers who are developing new purchasing patterns. Consumers will reward with loyalty those who provide solutions to new problems. Scope: * Key data and detailed analysis of 7 leading country markets in Europe: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK * Detailed analysis of the life events which most affect consumers and their underlying trends * European wide surveys of consumers of key age groups to determine the variations in international experience * Detailed forecasts of the prospects for the fear-of-ageing-driven market over the next five years, country by country * Specific action points detailing strategies for attracting key consumer groups just as they are looking for new lifestyle solutions. Report Highlights: By 2007, age-driven spending will be worth EUR30 billion. The biggest age-related fear is financial insecurity, followed by physical and mental deterioration. Anxiety over loss of attractiveness causes 50% of consumers to increase their spending on skincare and facial care. In 2002, 20 million 18-29 year olds started a new job, and 24 million bought their first home. Reasons to Purchase: * Improve the relevance of marketing through appreciation of consumer needs * Learn what aspects of ageing most affect consumers * Increase market share by targeting consumers ready for change * Target consumers based on significant life events, not generic assumptions about age

Answer 2

in a way, yes. really, it's only a refelction of our own fear of aging. all the same, they seem all too willing to capitalize on it and thus put forth X, Y, and Z anti-aging, anti-wrinkle creams, botox treatments, facelifts, etc.

Answer 3

Nope....they are just trying to sell us wrinklies, age old creams that are said to be the latest discovery !!.....Nivea will always work for me as it did my mum...I believe, velvet soap worked for her mum too.......

Answer 4

He will always prosper who caters to greed and vanity.