Researchers at a university studied about 8,500 consumers to learn who buys fresh cut flowers and why. Flowers now appear in many places, such as near produce, at pharmacy checkouts and at gas stations.
The study found many different buyer types. Examples include people who buy for Valentine’s Day, people who buy only for anniversaries, those who buy flowers for home use, and people who buy for every occasion. Buyers linked flowers to words like "beauty" and "smell" but also to "waste" and "expensive." People who bought flowers in the past year reported better mood and less stress, especially recent buyers.
Difficult words
- consumer — person who buys goods or servicesconsumers
- produce — fresh fruits and vegetables in a store
- pharmacy checkout — place in a pharmacy where customers paypharmacy checkouts
- anniversary — yearly celebration of an important dateanniversaries
- occasion — a special event or time
- expensive — costing a lot of money
- mood — a person's feeling at a time
- stress — mental or emotional pressure or tension
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you buy fresh cut flowers? Why or why not?
- Where would you prefer to buy flowers and why?
- How do flowers affect your mood or feelings?
Related articles
Calcium and vitamin D for older adults' bone health
Bone expert Bess Dawson-Hughes says older adults should check their calcium and vitamin D to protect bones and reduce falls and fractures. Practical advice includes eating dairy, sensible supplements, and getting sunlight when possible.
