Press Releases

Chicago, Ill., September 12, 2004 -- Americans seem to prefer grandparents who embody traditional values, according to a recent survey sponsored by Bankers Life and Casualty Company to commemorate Grandparents Day, Sunday, Sept. 12.

In a questionnaire asking people to choose from a list of celebrity pairings, 49 percent of respondents said they would most like to have Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore as their grandparents. Sandra Day O' Connor and Anthony Hopkins were chosen by 15 percent of respondents, followed by Alan Greenspan and Carol Burnett at 13 percent. Only 10 percent of Americans would prefer to have grown up as grandchildren of the unlikely pair of Ozzy Osbourne and Angela Lansbury.

When asked to weigh in on the aging process, almost 45 percent said Julie Andrews is the celebrity they think is aging most gracefully. The "Sound of Music " and "My Fair Lady " star was followed in the survey by two men whose long acting careers
have established them as rugged, all-American heroes to millions around the world. Paul Newman was named by 20 percent of respondents as the celebrity who is aging the most gracefully, while Robert Redford followed with 16 percent. Three percent named Joan Rivers and one percent chose legendary rock and roller Keith Richards.

When it comes to grandkids, Americans' sixth sense kicked in. When asked to choose from a list of celebrity kids and teens, 34 percent of the respondents said they would most like to have Haley Joel Osment ( "The Sixth Sense, " "Pay it Forward ") as a grandchild. Boy-wizard Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter movies) came in second with 30 percent approval, while Mischa Barton (the OC) was favored by just 4 percent of the respondents.

Bankers contracted with Synovate to poll 481 males and 519 females via eNation. The survey has an error margin of plus or minus 3 percent.

About Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Established in 1879 and headquartered at the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses exclusively on the financial security needs of seniors. The company offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and retirement savings products designed especially for seniors. These products are distributed through a national network of professionally trained company agents. Visit us online at www.bankers.com.

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