Utilization of eat-in space in convenience stores as third places for elderly people

Through on-site survey in Noborito, Kawasaki City, and interview survey of the supplier

Abstract

This paper investigates how eat-in spaces in convenience stores were used as third places by elderly people through on-site survey at the convenience store in Noborito, Tama-ku, Kawasaki City and interview survey of the supplier. Followings are the major conclusions: In terms of time they stay, non-excludability of ages and gender, frequency, purpose, community activities and subjectivity, it is confirmed that utilization of the eat-in space in the convenience store as s third place for elderly people; Supplier's intention and user's demand of the use of convenience store by elderly people are matched in terms of business opportunity, shopping, restroom and nearby facilities; By comparing other third places for elderly people, such as "community cafe", we find differences in the characteristics of those third places in terms of allowableness of place.