University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Seniors in shopping centres

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 21:04 authored by Robert WhiteRobert White, Toohey, J, Asquith, N
Many studies have examined issues of youth and public spaces; however, less attention has been devoted to seniors and their navigation and experience of community spaces, particularly in relation to their sense of inclusion in, or exclusion from, consumptive spaces. This article explores the everyday experiences of seniors in four Australian shopping centres, two in Melbourne and two in Hobart. Based on a survey of 260 seniors (the majority aged 75 years or more), respondents’ perceptions of this environment are considered, including the reasons for visiting the shopping centre, and the challenges of accessing and negotiating the shopping centre ‘terrain’. The research findings indicate that how seniors engage with and navigate the shopping centre is influenced not only by the nature of the space itself, but also by their personal historical and cultural experiences. Where and why seniors choose to ‘hang out’ in shopping centres has implications for research into the social landscapes of ageing, along with public policy and shopping centre procedures. There is a need to consider both the social and physical well-being of older people in the shopping centre locus, and to take positive steps towards improving and enhancing their experience in an environment that is often used to provide a range of experiences that go beyond mere ‘retail therapy’.

History

Publication title

Journal of Sociology

Volume

51

Pagination

1582-595

ISSN

1440-7833

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Sage Publications Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 the authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Ageing and older people

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC