I agree that priorities changes when we age, but not sure that we are getting less brand conscious.
when I was 14, i wanted to buy a pair of addidas shoes.
When I was 20, I wanted to buy levis jeans, Ralph Lauren Polo..
At 25, when I started work, I want to own a Mont Blanc pen
At 30, while driving a nissan, I want to own a BMW
At 50, I wanted a ...
As I age, I am not interest in Ralph Lauren, Levis, Addidas, Bmw etc etc anymore, but there is always something else that replace the desire.
The question is affordability; if you can afford, you will get it. However, if you can't, or barely can afford, you are more at ease wth not having it because we handle our emotions and desires better now.
agree?