While the marketplace potential of the elderly segment is
tremendous, research with regard to what influences the
elderly's patronage behavior has, to date, been inconclusive.
'This article attempts to determine the effect lack of transpor
tation mobility has on various patronage behaviors. The re
search reported here is based on a large national sample of
the elderly and incorporates the factors suggested by pre
vious research. The study shows mobility is not a significant
influence on the type of retail store frequented, but can in
fluence switching patronage between stores of a given type.
Additionally, it was found that mobility is related to the
elderly's psychographic profiles, convenience needs, and in
formation source usage.
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