CHARLESTOWN, MA -- 06/24/08 --
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 have 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 have 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(TM)
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.
Press Contact:
Tim Inthirakoth
InkHouse
781-916-9090 ext. 805
eonspr@inkhousepr.com
