Baby Boomers - Polischuk
I have often wondered about the period of time defining the baby boom generation. I wasn't sure if it was the period of time directly following the end of World War II when those of my parents' generation picked up their lives and made up for the lost time after several years of separation. The other time period included the economic "boom" years of the 1950s when U.S. manufacturing might was virtually unchallenged throughout the world and "Father knew best" (at least in the 1950s TV series starring Robert Young).
The exact definition of the baby boom generation is a matter of conjecture, but it seems as though it is generally accepted to include those people born between 1946 and 1964. This, of course, would include both of the time frames mentioned above. It would also make George Orwell smile, as he wrote his classic novel in 1948, transposing the digits to come up with the book's title of "1984." (And yes, being part of the baby boom generation, I read "1984" when it still painted a futuristic picture of what society might become.)
I only mention this because 2011 marks the beginning of the baby boom generation's official entry into the retirement years. During the next 18 years, those who remain from the approximate 76 million people born during these years will retire (pension, 401k, and/or Social Security status allowing) and move into the golden years. Economists have long been aware of the surging burden this will put on entitlement programs (a.k.a., Social Security and Medicare), but our elected officials in Washington have done little, if anything, to address the issue with any purpose. Something will need to be done, and, pretty soon, taking action won't be able to be put off any longer.
In the meantime, however, opportunity knocks. The cover story in this issue focuses on Keller Crescent, a company that is well positioned in the pharmaceutical supply chain. As has long been predicted, the pharmaceutical market is destined to grow as baby boomers spend more and more time visiting their pharmacies.
There is plenty of opportunity to go around. Ongoing developments in this sector will improve product security, patient compliance, ease of use, and a host of other needs that also include meeting ever-increasing regulatory requirements. This issue includes a few additional health-care product innovations—from Burgopak Healthcare (p. 11), Colbert Packaging (p. 30), and Rollprint (p. 34).
With 2011 ushering a new decade, let's hope we can look back in 2011 and say it was a great year. (You probably didn't noticed, but I transposed the digits.)
Tom Polischuk, Editor-in-Chief
We welcome your comments regarding any part of packagePRINTING. They can be addressed to Editor, packagePRINTING, 1500 Spring Garden St., 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130, or tpolischuk@napco.com.
