Information processing by elderly consumers: a five-decade review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review scholarly research on elderly consumers’ information processing and suggest implications for services marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The review encompasses a five-decade period (1970–2018) of academic research and presents relevant literature in four main areas related to information processing: sensation, attention, interpretation and memory.

Findings

The study illustrates how each of the aforementioned phases of the information processing activity may affect how elderly individuals buy and consume products and services, emphasizing the need for a better comprehension of the elderly to develop effectual marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The study provides readers with detailed state-of-the-art knowledge about older consumers’ information processing, offering a comprehensive review of academic research that companies can use to improve the effectiveness of their marketing efforts that target the elderly market.

Citation

Guido, G., Pichierri, M., Rizzo, C., Chieffi, V. and Moschis, G. (2021), "Information processing by elderly consumers: a five-decade review", Journal of Services Marketing, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 14-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-09-2019-0368