7 . National Studies of Older Adults’ Preferences for Technology-Based Products and Telecommunication Services

Two large-scale national surveys provide insights into older adults’ purchasing and consumption habits concerning selected technology-based products and telecommunication services.  The studies focus on preferences for selected high-tech products and telecommunication services, sources of information regarding new electronic products and telecommunication services, and methods of purchasing electronic products.  The studies also examine reasons older adults consider before buying electronic products direct, and preferred methods of payment for selected high-tech products and services.  Finally, the report contains specific analyses of the preceding consumer behaviors by selected sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, as well as media preferences of owners and those interested in certain types of high-tech products. © 1997.  Length: 160 pages.  $200.00.

TABLE OF CONTENTS  

Purpose and objectives II-1
The studies II-2
Preferences for high-tech products and telecommunication services II-3
Automobiles  II-10
Preferences for sources of information regarding new electronic products  II-12
Sources of information for telecommunication services II-16
Preferences for methods of purchasing electronic products II-19
Reasons considered before buying direct II-22
Payment methods for burglar or fire alarm system II-26
Payment methods for home-appliance services II-30
Media use II-33
Summary and implications for marketing strategy II-37
Tables 
Appendix 
Supplement 

LIST OF TABLES  

TABLE II-1 Preferences for selected products and telecommunication services among older adults
TABLE II-2 Preferences for selected products and telecommunication services among  younger and older adults
TABLE II-3 Preferences for selected products and telecommunication services among older adults by gerontographic cluster
TABLE II-4 Preferences for sources of information regarding new electronic products among younger and older adults
TABLE II-5 Preferences for sources of information regarding new electronic products among older adults by gerontographic cluster
TABLE II-6 Preferences for sources of information regarding new electronic products among younger and older adults
TABLE II-7 Preferences for sources of information regarding new telecommunication services among older adults by gerontographic cluster
TABLE II-8 Preferences for methods of purchasing electronic products among younger and older  adults
TABLE II-9 Preferences for methods of purchasing electronic products among older adults by gerontographic cluster
TABLE II-10 Reasons considered before buying electronic products by phone or through the mail among younger and older adults
TABLE II-11 Reasons considered before buying electronic products by phone or through the mail among older adults by gerontographic cluster
TABLE II-12 Preferences for payment methods for burglar or fire alarm system among younger and older adults
TABLE II-13 Preferences for payment methods for burglar or fire alarm system among older adults by gerontographic cluster
TABLE II-14 Preferences for payment methods for home appliance repair services among younger and older adults
TABLE II-15 Preferences for payment methods for home appliance repair services among older adults by gerontographic cluster