Seniors relaunch consumption, according to a study

Consumption rebounded in 2024 in France by +0.8%, according to the projections of the Banque de France. This slight increase remains to be confirmed. A BPCE study comes to take a new look at the subject.

A study, published at the end of January, that we owe to the Banque Populaire Group Savings Caisse (BPCE), shows the place of the oldest generations in the acts of purchase over the whole of 2024. Admittedly, the withdrawal of Inflation has played in the resumption of consumption, but consumer age appears to be an increasingly obvious factor. The dynamics of consumption were carried out in particular by those over 64 (+8% compared to 2023), followed by 55-64 year olds (+6%). At the same time, the consumption of under 35s has stagnated (+0.5%).

This barometer specifically analyzes expenses via bank cards. He combines consumption trends from very concrete, but completely anonymized data, of 20 million cards and payment terminals. Without entering into the privacy of the precise content of the purchase basket, the BPCE barometer allows you to have a precise idea of ​​consumption stations by age group.

The data analyzed reveal, for example, on the part of our elders, an increase in expenses of 15% of listening to music in flow on the Internet (streaming), and 9% for films and television series via the same channel. The paid frequentation of dating sites decreases by 13%. In terms of “fast fashion” (ephemeral fashion with a choice of clothes quickly renewed by brands), the oldest of us prove to be the most compulsive: expenses up 28% in the 55- 64 years against just over 10% for those under 25.

This study says a sociological level. The Banque Populaire Banometer Savings Bank shows that, if the slowdown in inflation has given a little air to the purchasing power of the French, the vigilance remains essential. A nod in the current debate on pensions: at 64 and over, retirees or future, have fun, but paying attention to prices.