Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Pages: 1-10

Journal: The Journal of the Economics of Ageing

Volume number: 3

ISSN: 2212-828X

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeoa.2013.12.003

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

In order to test whether a retirement-consumption puzzle does exist, we examine how food-related time use alters within the 50+ generation in Germany due to retirement. Based on the German Time-Use Survey, time-use patterns of retired and non-retired persons are compared statistically and determinants of time-use are elaborated by the use of double-hurdle and multiple regression models. With retirement, major changes take place in the food-related time use. Work-related food-away-from-home consumption is substituted by food production and consumption at home and associated shopping activities. Leisure-related away-from-home consumption gains importance for a portion of pensioners. These impacts are strong and highly significant for German households. By and large, there is no indication of a retirement-consumption puzzle but of a planned behavioral change in a new phase of life. Econometric analysis shows that other personal and sociodemographic variables explain food-related time use patterns in the 50+ generation, in particular gender, age, perceived health and the educational level attained.

Harvard Citation style: Velarde, M. and Herrmann, R. (2014) How retirement changes consumption and household production of food: Lessons from German time-use data, The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, 3, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeoa.2013.12.003

APA Citation style: Velarde, M., & Herrmann, R. (2014). How retirement changes consumption and household production of food: Lessons from German time-use data. The Journal of the Economics of Ageing. 3, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeoa.2013.12.003