Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1983. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves a 162-179).

The paper presents a review of 128 studies on the behavior of older consumers published in the last 35 years (from 1980 to 2014) in 35 peer-reviewed journals. The purpose of the procedure is twofold: First, we aim to summarize results on agerelated changes in consumer research. Second, by doing so, we evaluate the relative importance of age-related factors (chronological, biological, psychological, and social age as wells as life events and life circumstances) in research on older consumers. Results of the review show that research on older consumers is still dominated by investigations using chronological age. Influences of other aspects of the aging process, although recommended by previous research reviews and providing valuable insights, are still playing a minor role in the investigation of consumer behavior. Research with alternative age measures is still in an early, exploratory stage and future studies should include specific aspects as well as multitheoretical models of aging.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 186-190). Also available via the Internet.

The number of people aged 60 years and above is increasing in the UK. In total, this age group represents 22% of the population with estimates indicating a rise to 29% by 2050 (United Nations, 2009). One market sector that is extremely important to the health and wellbeing of older people is grocery retail (Khan, 1981). However, little previous research has addressed how older people rate the service delivered by their grocery provider, particularly in regard to satisfaction. To reconcile this gap in theoretical understanding, a sequential transformative mixed-method research design was specified using 36 qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires with 524 subjects. A model including both drivers and consequences of satisfaction was formulated using past research. As such, an antecedent scale for grocery store image was developed via procedures suggested in the extant literature (e.g. DeVellis, 2003). Pre-existing scales (i.e. commitment and loyalty) representing exemplary reliability and validity were borrowed and specified as consequences. The scales were modified and integrated into a ‘structural equation model’. Older people were found to place a high level of importance in aspects of merchandise, store environment, personnel and services. Price/promotions and clientele were found to be insignificant in driving satisfaction. Differences in factor mean scores and structural parameters were then analysed using ‘finite mixture structural equation modelling’ to identify segments of similar respondents (Jedidi et al, 1997). Using posterior probabilities, the emerging segments were subjected to profiling using personal and behavioural variables (Hahn et al, 2002). Market Segmentation showed three groups of similar respondents in the sample population, differing in factor mean scores and psychological operationalisation of satisfaction. Nonetheless, only several differences in personal and behavioural characteristics were found between the segments. Whilst, the results show that segmenting this group is necessary when measuring satisfaction, basing this purely on a priori descriptive variables might be erroneous given the inherent levels of unobserved heterogeneity. The model developed and tested in this study is considered the most up-to-date available in the literature.

The purpose of this research was to determine if differences exist between the young/old (55-74) and the old/old (75+) regarding external search behavior and the importance of information sources.

No description available.

Thesis (MBus (Research))--University of South Australia, 1996

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 159 p.; also includes graphics (some col.) Includes bibliographical references (p. 152-159). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

This dissertation examined the relationship between marketing influence and life satisfaction for elderly consumers. Marketing influence was conceptually explored within the context of a consumer satisfaction/dissatisfaction framework. As such, the construct labeled overall consumer satisfaction was developed and defined as an attitude state representing the specific level of fulfillment of wants or needs possessed by an individual gained from experiential interactions with marketing institutions. This attitude was posited to be made up of a sub-domain structure, with each sub-domain consisting of satisfactions derived from an individual's interactions with groups of similar retail institutions. The overall consumer satisfaction construct was operationally measured using indicators: a multiattribute scale and a semantic-differential scale. Life satisfaction was conceptually examined through the use of quality-of-life and gerontological theoretical perspectives and was defined as an aggregate well-being level or satisfaction-attitude state of an individual determined by a variety of personal and environmental influences. This construct was operationally measured through the use of three indicators, two scales adapted from the quality-of-life perspective and one scale adopted from the gerontological perspective. The two constructs, overall consumer satisfaction and life satisfaction, were conceptually linked using attitude-hierarchy theory. It was hypothesized that (1) overall consumer satisfaction is positively related to life satisfaction of the elderly, and (2) each marketing sub-domain involved in overall consumer satisfaction is positively related to life satisfaction of the elderly. A survey instrument was designed, pretested. and employed on a sample of southwestern Virginia elderly using a group interview data-collection procedure. The statistical techniques employed to analyze the data collected included: Pearson Product-Moment correlations, alpha-coefficient reliability analyses, Costner's Multiple Indicator consistency analysis. t-tests, canonical correlations. and multiple regression analyses. Generally, the hypotheses were moderately supported by the results. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the study's limitations. contributions, and implications as they related to marketing theory and managerial practice. / Ph. D.

The older female segment plays a critical role in society's fabric, as women past retirement volunteer a significant amount in their communities and provide essential caregiving to family members and friends. Moreover, older females outnumber older males and with the baby boomer population aging over 65, this segment is becoming more influential. Yet there is surprisingly little marketing research that focuses on this older female segment, their lived experiences, and their well-being. Working within the tradition of consumer culture theory, this project is an ethnographic exploration of the Red Hat Society (RHS), a brand community which focuses on celebrating older women. This research adds to the theoretical understanding of older female consumers by exploring how older women negotiate the meaning of aging, gender, and identity. Extending on brand community literature, I suggest how the RHS manages to create a supportive, 'safe space' in which members are able to engage play and learning. Play performances, enacted in through costuming and other rituals within the brand community, are extended beyond the bounds of this 'safe space' to influence the identities and well-being of these women. / Ph. D.