NCJ Number
80677
Date Published
1978
Length
93 pages
Annotation
Methods of educating the senior citizen consumer about consumer problems and the help available to resolve them are discussed.
Abstract
To provide some insight into how public education efforts can reach the elderly, this report draws on a national survey of consumer protection organizations regarding their elderly consumer education programs, as well as on surveys and site studies in consumer protection units in Genesee County, Mich., and King County, Wash. Factors which make elderly consumers vulnerable to consumer abuse and fraud are discussed, and surveys and other research germane to public education programs for elderly consumers are reviewed. Conclusions are then reached regarding the appropriate focus on consumer education programs for the elderly. Factors relating to elderly consumers' access to consumer education materials and programs are considered, followed by a presentation of various methods that can be used to make consumer information available, with particular emphasis on the adaptability of these methods to the needs of the elderly. The appearance and style of consumer education materials are examined with reference to the elderly, and the content of such materials is discussed. This report is intended primarily for those agencies and organizations responsible for educating elderly consumers, as well as policymakers, funding authorities, and other officials responsible for design, oversight, technical assistance, and other assistance to agencies or organizations offering direct services to the elderly. The appendixes consist primarily of examples of consumer education materials for the elderly. Fifty-five footnotes are provided. (Author summary modified)