In many of the industrialized countries, the population is aging. That is, the average age of the population is older than it was twenty years ago. This fact has encouraged many businesses to develop products and services for older customers. In the medical industry, for example, new medicines and technologies are being developed especially for the health problems of older people. The tourist industry also offers services for the elderly, including special transportation and health services, and trips organized for groups of older people. And finally, there are many different kinds of products designed for the needs of the elderly. These include everything from shoes and shampoos to magazines and furniture.