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