Evolution of Consumption Behavior of Silver Singles in Poland (Ewolucja zachowañ konsumpcyjnych samotnych osób starszych w Polsce)

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze, based on the author’s own research, the relationship between lifestyle and selected consumer trends reflected in specific consumption behavior of silver singles. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis is based on a survey questionnaire administered between 1 February and 30 October 2019 in a sample of 2476 elderly people living alone in ten Polish cities of various populations and sizes. In accordance with the research assumptions, the sample included persons over 65 years of age who took independent consumption decisions in the market. This research method was chosen in view of the older age of respondents whose openness to new media often used in direct research is limited. Findings: The research shows that among the surveyed silver singles, men more often than women act in line with the cocooning and consumer ethnocentrism trends. It also reveals a strong correlation between cocooning and consumer ethnocentrism on the one hand and the level of education and monthly disposable income of silver singles on the other. As regards sustainable consumption, the proportion of silver singles who declared that they acted in line with that idea was much higher among women than men as well as among university graduates, those earning a monthly income of more than PLN 3000.00, and actively attending UTA courses. Research limitations/implications: Given the limited financial capacity, the study of consumer behavior matching the idea of cocooning, consumer ethnocentrism and sustainable consumption among silver singles was confined to a survey conducted in the biggest Polish cities. It was not possible to carry out research among single seniors living in rural areas. Following the conclusions made, they should not be treated as representative of the population of Polish silver singles. They only provide some insight into actual consumer behaviors of this consumer segment. Originality/value: This article is one of first publications in Poland that seek to provide some insight into consumption behaviors of Polish silver singles that are in line with the idea of selected alternative consumer trends.