Silver Service
In fact, today’s 60-somethings are much younger and more adaptable than previous generations and few would like to be viewed as ‘pensioners’. But differences in attitudes and expectations still remain and many believe that retailers and service providers are not making enough effort to cater for the over 65s.
“What really annoys me is the extra discounts offered for buying things like insurance online,” comments Martin, a retired builder from Shropshire. “I like to think I’m computer literate and I’m comfortable with email, but I’m not at all comfortable with putting all my details onto the web.
“It’s great that there are new choices available, but what about being able to choose to do things the old fashioned way, without having to pay more for the privilege!”
While traditionally the over 65s are not big spenders, it is the fastest growing age group, and companies would be wise to take the needs and preferences of their more mature customers on board. Indeed, some have wised up to the cash rewards of being senior citizen friendly and are offering products specifically for older customers. It’s a step in the right direction, but to some, it’s merely pigeon-holing and not the answer they’re looking for.
“Just because I’m in my sixties doesn’t mean my only interests are tea dances and crochet," protests Dorothy from Yorkshire. “It’s great that there are companies thinking about how best to cater for my age group but I don’t want to be put in a box labelled old. What I want is to be able to choose how I do my shopping and pay my bills, and receive the same good service whether I’m spending 50p or £50.”
So are there enough customer service options for the older generation? Do older people get sidelined in favour of the buy-now-pay-later generation? Are standards of service anything like they used to be? You tell us!
