Nearly two-thirds of over 50s think advertisers are too young to understand them
A survey of 1,028 Gransnet and Mumsnet users aged over 50 has revealed how they feel about advertisers and advertising.
Our editor, Lara Crisp, recently spoke at the Decoded Future conference on this subject. You can download her presentation on advertising to over 50s here.
Over three-quarters (78%) said that they felt they were under-represented and misrepresented in advertising. Tech-savvy seniors said marketing used by technology and gadget brands was the worst offender, cited as misrepresentative or under-representative by 87%, followed by fashion brands (69%) and the entertainment industry (79%).
Feeling ignored
Nearly two-thirds (62%) believe they are ignored because advertisers are too young to understand the 50+ demographic. It leaves them feeling “ignored”.
"I don't feel any different now inside than I did when I was in my 20s. I still want to know about this summer’s hottest fashion look, what new songs are playing on the radio and this season’s must-see new film." Survey respondent
"You'd think people over 50 were only interested in life insurance and the cost of funerals." Survey respondent
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Brands may be missing out on millions of pounds
The over 50s is a market that advertisers ignore at their peril. Almost half (49%) said they actively avoid brands who ignore them, while 69% said that if advertising were more representative of those in their age group, they would be more receptive to them. It means advertisers could be missing out on millions of pounds given that the majority of those in their 50s, 60s and 70s said they have more disposable income now than at most other life stages.
Gransnet Editor Lara Crisp said: "If advertisers want to talk to the over 50s - who have more disposable income than any other age group - they need to start by listening to them. It’s just plain odd for marketers to assume that there’s an upper age-limit when it comes to having an interest in technology, fashion or blockbuster films."
Read the full breakdown of our survey results here.
A survey of 1,028 Gransnet and Mumsnet users living in the UK and over the age of 50, between August 22nd and September 24th 2018. The data is not weighted.
Images: Shutterstock