Older consumers in Malaysia

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

International Journal of Ageing and Later Life

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Volume

2

Issue

1

First Page

85

Last Page

117

Publisher

Linkoeping University Electronic Press

Keywords

Malaysia, older persons, older consumers, consumer behaviour, successful, ageing, *Malaysia, *Life Satisfaction, *Consumerism, *Consumers, *Elderly, article, 0749: social change and economic development, market structures & consumer behavior

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to understand the concerns and problems faced by older people in an industrializing middle-income country, Malaysia, in their process of acquiring products to meet their everyday needs. Respondents aged 55 and over were interviewed in eight states throughout Peninsular Malaysia providing 1356 usable questionnaires; two-thirds from urban and one-third from rural areas. Education, health status, and life satisfaction were recorded. Service patronage behavior was examined for four main categories of commonly-sought consumer goods: groceries, health supplements, apparel, eating outlets, plus selected services (public transport, vacation packages and financial services). The findings showed that older adults in Malaysia are rather discerning consumers. Many respondents are price conscious and have developed consumer attitudes with regard to attitude of staff and assistance rendered. Many display a good ability to discriminate and to select, especially on the basis of price and durability of products and many appear to be acting as effectively as consumers in any other age group.

DOI

10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.072185

E-ISSN

16528670

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2007 International Journal of Ageing and Later Life

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Ong, F. S., & Phillips, D. R. (2007). Older consumers in Malaysia. International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, 2(1), 85-117. doi: 10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.072185

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