Elderly consumers: problems and behaviours

The purpose of this study was to explore older consumers' problems and behaviour. Data were collected by interviewing. Responses of 150 older Wisconsin residents were analysed using chi square to determine significant differences in consumer problems and behaviour related to the demographic variables: age, sex, place of residence, marital status and education. The distribution of responses was most frequently influenced by marital status. The demographic variables of age, sex and place of residence were also found to influence the response distribution, although less frequently than marital status; there were no significant differences in responses by education. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for consumer education programmes designed specifically for older persons.