The effect of materialism and proximity of clothing to self on the ratio of feeling younger: Implications for the consumption experiences of older people in Turkey

Abstract

This article examines the effect of materialism and proximity of clothing to self (PCS) on the older adult's ratio of feeling younger (RFY). Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 172 Turkish men and women, aged 65 and over. The findings reveal that materialism and PCS has negative relations, materialism has positive effect on the RFY, PCS has negative effects on the RFY. The results are discussed in relation to the consumption experiences of older people, actual self-image vs. desired self-image and alienation of older people to their clothing. In addition, the psychometric performance of the PCS scale on older people living in Turkey along with discussion of the limitations of these data, this article addresses the implications of older consumer experiences for actual and desired self-image.