Analysis of Food Consumption Behavior of Elderly Consumers by Elderly Consumers Competency Type - Based on the 2023 Food Consumption Behaviors Survey -

As of December 2024, the elderly consumers is emerging as a major target class in all industries as it enters a super-aged society. Therefore, the importance of elderly consumers is also growing in the restaurant industry. Therefore, in this study, we extracted 1,004 elderly consumers aged 65 to 79 using the 2023 Food Consumption Behavior Survey Data, and analyzed food consumption behavior according to agri-food consumer competency type. The SPSS 26.0 statistical program was used as an analysis tool. Frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, K-means cluster analysis, one-way ANOVA, and cross-analysis (χ²) were performed. As a result of the analysis, older consumers were classified into three clusters, with significant differences in demographic characteristics, food consumption patterns, and attitudes toward food safety between clusters. The results of this study investigate the relationship between agri-food consumer competency levels and food consumption behaviors of older consumers, and based on this, highlight the need to establish customized strategies to meet the diverse needs of older consumers in the food industry.