YOUTH VERSUS OLD AGE – CONSUMPTION DETERMINANTS

The age of household members is an important determinant for expenditures. The aim of the present study is to determine expenditure structure and also the hierarchy of consumption determining factors in Polish both young and older households. The research material comes from unpublished Household Budget Survey of Central Statistical Office of Poland for 2012. Canonical correlation analysis was applied as a research method. The most important determinants of expenditures turned out disposable incomes per capita and household size. In spite of transformations taking place in the last years, financial aspect still plays deciding role in consumer spending, particularly in spending on services. The study on consumption determinants at different age groups leads to better understanding of consumer behavior circumstances and thereby ensuring a good quality of life for the people of different age.