The 55-74 age group accounted for more than 147.000 capital region residents and 15.3 percent of the population in 2004. The Federal Reserve Board reports that U.S. households ages 55-74 have the highest median net worth of any age group. Furthermore, they are overwhelmingly empty-nesters with higher discretionary incomes. <BR><BR> Spending patterns differ somewhat for those 55-64 and those 65-74. Nationally, people 55-64 spend at an annual rate 9 percent higher than any age group. When compared to all households, expenditures by the 55-64 group are particularly high in full-service restaurants (27% higher), coffee (40% higher), wine (54% higher), new cars (30% higher) and vacation homes (84% higher). While those 65-74 spend at lower rates, they have high spending for travel and dining. <BR><BR> Notably, the 2004 population estimate for 55-74 includes only a small portion of Baby Boomers. As the Boomers get older, the 55-74 age group eill grow in size and buying power. Given the differentspending patterns of boomers, tracking the purchasing preferences of the 55-74 group will be vital over teh next 20 years.