WE’VE LOST OUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND WE’RE NOT SURE WE CAN EVER GET IT BACK
Even if the world goes back to ‘normal,’ can we ever really go back? We’re learning new habits, ones that teach us to avoid groups and close proximity. When (if?) the world is ready for us all to go back to ‘normal,’ we don’t know that we’ll ever be able to be in crowds without experiencing a low-level sense of anxiety. Plane trips, concerts, and sporting events all seem like events we might never be able to handle again.
“Just the anxiety of being in large crowds of people. When this is over (and it will be) will I be too paranoid to go to large events because of crowds?” (Consumer)
“The less expected thing I’m afraid to lose is comfort with traveling or participating in large/crowded events. I have been dreaming of going to Europe with my husband since he’s from there originally and I have never been, but I have no idea how long it will take before that becomes possible and doesn’t feel so risky.” (Consumer)
BOOMERS ARE LESS AFRAID OF DYING AND MORE AFRAID OF NOT BEING ABLE TO LIVE.
Boomers, specifically, are hurt by this loss. We all know they were the last to accept staying home and social distancing, but why? Simply put, they don’t have time to lose a year of their lives and a third of their investments. They’ve waited to stop working and travel, to spend time with their families, to make memories with their spouse… now it’s all on pause, and they’re afraid they won’t be able to do these things by the time we hit play again.
“I see a lot of travel ads for 2021 now so the industry has written off 2020. That is sad because when you get to our age there is not a lot of time left to travel and if you miss a whole year???” (Consumer)
“Illness and death become less shocking as you get older, IF you get older.” (Consumer)
Want to know more about what people are feeling and how they plan to change behavior in the future? Reach out to Ken Lethbridge at klethbridge@insideoutinsights.com.