ERIC Number: ED195686
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1980
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Elderly Consumers and the Used Goods Economy.
Dobbs, Ralph C.
A study examined the used goods market as it affects older adults. A set of open-ended questions was administered to 100 respondents over sixty years of age who were either retired or near retirement, married or widowed, and suburban or rural. Interviews were conducted to derermine the effects of the used goods market on the elderly consumer, to isolate the factors associated with participation in the used goods economy, and to determine the role of education in helping the older consumer cope with contemporary economic problems. Respondents indicated that they feel a status loss and denial of service. An increased utilization of public media and an increase of auctions, sales services, and philanthropic and religious organization involvement has been associated with the used goods economy among the elderly. Participation in the used goods economy complex fulfills a social need among the elderly. Communities can serve the elderly consummer more effectively through the creation of local consumer guide information. Respondents indicated that buying and selling used goods can bring relief to their operating budget. A continuing education for the elderly consumer can help them achieve economic, personal, social, health, and cultural fulfillment. (MN)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the National Adult Education Conference (St Louis, MO, November 2-7, 1980).