Target Market for jar openers

From AgeVenture News Service:

In his article, "Older Women's Market is Sleeping Giant", author David Demko states "tomorrow's mature market is, in effect, a mature women's market." His estimate is that by 2025, the number of women aged 60 and over worldwide will grow to 645 million.

From NPD Reports on Specialty Kitchen Electrics (October 17, 2008):

"In the 12 months ending in August 2008, the categories with the largest percentage growth in unit sales across specialty kitchen electrics were jar openers, electric kettles, popcorn makers, and tea makers."

From John Dellacondra, contributing editor, January 26, 2006:

"The Fortune 500 program's most successful product to date—and the one that, in effect, launched the program—is the Black & Decker Lids Off automatic jar openers. In its second year of production, the jar opener is a big seller for the company, particularly as a gift for the elderly from friends and family." 
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Lids-Off (Black & Decker) and One Touch (battery-operated) openers have combined sales in excess of 5 million units.
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JAROMATIC electric jar opener was designed to assist anyone with limited hand and wrist strength to open both jars & bottles. This includes elderly, homemakers, children, and disabled.  Ideal for people with arthritis, loss of hand or fingers, poor wrist strength, breast cancer, and more.  One-hand operation with absolutely no strength or effort needed.  Just place the jar or bottle in the appliance, close the door, and press the button.  JAROMATIC automatically adjusts to the height and twists the lid off.
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            Warning about Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been in the news lately. There is some concern about it's use in hardening plastics and can linings used in food production. Canada has already banned it's use in baby bottles. Some European countries are also considering limiting it's use, and Wal-Mart has removed all baby bottles containing BPA.

The FDA has issued a report that it is safe, but others say the study is flawed. There is concern that it may lead to increased risk of heart attacks and diabetes. It can also mimic the hormone estrogen.

Glass containers contain no Bisphenol-A. However, they are harder to open than plastic containers. Most have metal lids. JAROMATIC will open these glass containers with just the push of a button, making it easier for consumers to buy products in glass. Many older people don't have the strength to open them, so the JAROMATIC automatic jar opener can give them the choice of being able to purchase food in glass containers and reduce their exposure to Bisphenol-A

        If I am concerned, what can I do to prevent exposure to BPA?

Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.

Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom.

Reduce your use of canned foods.

When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

Use baby bottles that are BPA free.

Links for information on BPA:

Dr Gupta on BPA:   5/18/2010: 
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/18/bpa-present-in-most-canned-food-groups-allege/?hpt=Sbin

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/15/fda.chemical.bpa/index.html?hpt=Sbin

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm

http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/factsheet_bisphenol.pdf