There’s a great local band that plays songs of current popular artists (so I’m told by our 20-something web developers), and they reach back for an occasional hit from my youth by the Eagles or CCR (Credence Clearwater Revival… look it up, they were a real band) and I find myself relaxing, smiling, even singing a few bars (be thankful you weren’t within earshot). 

For reasons I don’t fully understand, the age 14-22 years evoke fond memories of good times, good friends, and none of the anxiety I seem to struggle with as the parent of college-age kids. It’s called nostalgia, and it can be a powerful emotional influence to use in your program. Here’s how:

• Promotional copy. “Remember when…” Use concrete images of better, simpler, more relaxing times to tie to a current service such as a stress management program, healthy cooking class, or financial planning seminar.
• Familiar images. Classic historic photos from politics or entertainment can draw interest to posters or newsletter articles. Forrest Gump was a nostalgic feast for many baby boomers, and a big reason for the movie’s success.
• Music. Fitness centers can play background theme music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s on different days and run trivia contests as a fun diversion and attraction.
• Current event tie-ins. The summer months are a great time to evoke memories of childhood family vacations and lazy days.

Everything old is new

Health promoters can lure participants with a trip down memory lane. Some ideas:

• Movies and television. From the Lone Ranger to Lassie to Star Wars, you have hundreds of opportunities to connect with memories. Movie-themed incentive programs or TV-based promotional tie-ins are plentiful — and fun.
• Sports. Vivid football and baseball images from the ’60s (when television sports took off), followed by the Olympics in the ’70s, are burned in the minds of many. Sports nostalgia and trivia are great attention-getters, especially for men, and may be the piece that gets them involved.
• Cars and motorcycles. Boomers love the open road and the vehicles that take them there. Vintage car shows have experienced tremendous popularity growth as we reminisce about bouncing in the back seat along the highway. Car- and motorcycle-related icons like drive-in theaters and restaurants, diners, and old-fashioned full-service gas stations take us back. Tie your promotions to these and you’ll attract a new group.
• Company roots. If your organization has been around a while, consider a promotion tied to its history and the community where it was founded.

Nostalgia is just another tool to make people feel good. And if you can make people feel good about your service, you’re more likely to get them to change their behavior than if you don’t make an emotional connection. 

For a fun-filled, nostalgic trip down America’s Highway, register for a free demo at www.GetFitonRoute66.com.