BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey reveals that older adults aspire to be “ageless wonders” and prioritize food and nutrition as the number one factor affecting their health and well-being. The Great Expectations survey by Age of Majority for Restaura found that today’s health-conscious baby boomer population overwhelmingly plans to age in place (69%). A key factor in their desire to stay in their homes could be the significant gap the survey uncovered between how and what they like to eat and the perceived ability of active aging and senior living communities to meet their dining needs.
“Nowhere is the desire for independence more evident than in the ability to choose what and where we eat,” explained Richard Schenkel, Founder and Executive Chairman of Restaura, a new dining services provider serving active and senior living communities. “Boomers are the first instant-gratification aging generation. They expect to be able to enjoy their version of great food anywhere, anytime, and importantly, they understand the impact of nutrition on longevity.”
Over one-third of older adults described themselves as “ageless wonders” who want to stay healthy proactively for as long as possible. This empowered older cohort has the spending power to live and eat where they want. Today’s aging population holds over 80% of the wealth in the U.S. and represents $8.3 trillion in annual economic activity.
Freedom of Choice Matters
The research found that nearly 7 in 10 respondents (68%) look for variety in meal options that cater to their individual tastes and preferences when choosing how they dine, yet only 17% are very confident that senior living communities could deliver the dining variety they expect. If they were considering a move to a senior living community, respondents would prioritize flexibility (65%) to prepare their own meals, dine out, or order takeout over access to multiple dining venues (21%).
“The lure of aging in place includes the flexibility to eat when and what you want. Active aging and senior living communities need to adapt to this mindset while also delivering high-quality, flavorful foods,” explained Joe Cuticelli, Restaura’s CEO. “It’s a tall order, but we’ve seen a similar evolution in other sectors, such as campus and airport dining.”
Cuticelli noted that, while the senior living industry has made transformational strides with intergenerational and active aging community designs, evolving the current approach to culinary experiences may be the missing link.
Taste Explorers
The survey asked respondents to characterize what they like to eat. In a nod to changing stereotypes, 32% of older adults described themselves as “food explorers” who are very adventurous in trying new tastes and flavors. They look for flavorful, well-seasoned dishes that use fresh, minimally processed ingredients, as well as low-sugar, low-sodium, and high-protein foods. Conversely, only 16% said medical dietary considerations are important in picking what they eat, even though 41% were very confident senior living would offer that option.
Filling a Void
The MIT Age Lab studies consumer-centered systems to understand the challenges and opportunities of longevity and emerging generational lifestyles. Founder and director Dr. Joe Coughlin has explored how global demographics, technology, and changing behaviors are transforming business and society. This work has identified the critical need for the active aging industry to shift from an infrastructure primarily focused on caregiving to one that offers concierge-type services and experiences.
Restaura was recently founded to disrupt the $45.1 billion foodservice contracting business and to provide senior living and active adult community residents with the variety and choices they have grown accustomed to in their home communities. The company combines a culture rooted in employee ownership with a data-driven operating model to automate concierge-inspired meal choices based on personal preferences and health profiles as well as to track real-time sentiment analysis.
“Our research shows that, aside from necessities like affordability, safety, and accommodations, food quality drives the decision in choosing a senior living community,” Cuticelli noted. “Yet when our survey asked, ‘what words do you associate with senior living,’ restaurant-quality food was at the bottom of the list—selected by just 11% of respondents. That’s the definition of an opportunity.”
The Great Expectations survey points to a need for a new approach to senior living culinary services to unlock boomers’ interest in moving from home.
About the Research
Great Expectations research surveyed 1,485 adults between the ages of 55 and 96 to better understand the importance of food and dining in their later-life residential decisions. Age of Majority, a consultancy specializing in the 55+ market, conducted the survey online between August 21 and August 23, 2024.
About Restaura
Restaura is leading a transformative movement in the food and dining management industry, setting new standards for senior living and active aging communities. Driven by innovation, Restaura leverages state-of-the-art technology, data analytics, and forward-thinking strategies to craft exceptional dining experiences and business solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients. Through its dedication to innovation, employee ownership, and exceptional service, Restaura is elevating the industry standard—where unapologetically delicious food and compassionate care converge to create truly extraordinary experiences.
For more information, visit www.restaura.com.
