Citation

Stone T, Gould SJ. Journal of Marketing Management 2016; 32(3-4): 386-392.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016)

DOI

10.1080/0267257X.2015.1118145

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This commentary reflects upon consumer vulnerability in the 'fourth age' through a consideration of the case of Sandra Bem. In doing so, we focus on how Alzheimer's disease affected Bem's ability to make decisions and navigate the market to commit suicide. Subsequently, this article reflects upon terror management theory, 'fourth age' consumption and self-consciousness to suggest that future studies of degenerative illness are likely to breathe further life into the study of vulnerable consumers. © 2016 Westburn Publishers Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

Sandra Bem; Alzheimer’s disease; ‘fourth age’ consumption; Consumer vulnerability; self-consciousness; terror management theory