Appealing to Baby Boomers with Your Senior Living Menu
January 2025
Adventurous food habits aren’t exclusive to the younger generations. Studies show that limited food options in senior living communities may be a key factor keeping boomers from moving in. Learn more about this generation’s preferences and what senior living operators can do to make their food programs more appealing to them.
The Challenge: Outdated Stereotypes
Many senior living communities are still operating based on the assumption that residents want simple, meat-and-potato-type meals. However, as opposed to previous generations, 68% of boomers look for variety in their meal options, and 65% of prospective residents prioritize flexibility in their meal service. Some (32%) even describe themselves as “food explorers” with a taste for adventurous flavors. Yet only 17% are confident that senior living communities offer enough meal variety. This disconnect may partly account for low boomer residency at these communities and presents a clear opportunity for operators to turn it around.
The Solution: Dynamic Menus and Exciting Flavors
Offering a rotating menu with diverse flavor profiles can go a long way in attracting and retaining younger seniors. Residents will look forward to mealtime when they feel their tastes are being met with flexible options and when they have unique dining experiences with adventurous, globally inspired flavors. Turkey is a protein-packed, nutritious ingredient to meet a variety of diets and is easy to use across dayparts and in various cuisines.
Recipe Inspiration
Build an enticing menu with bold flavor contrasts or fresh twists on classics. This Turkey Bolognese delivers a satisfying combination of comfort and zip. Mix things up with a Seared Turkey Steak recipe including radicchio, balsamic vinegar and honey, or maple syrup. Take residents on a flavor excursion with the Guajillo Roasted Turkey Breast, a unique spin on an Oaxacan street dish.
Learn more innovative ways to appeal to residents with our Senior Living Menu Guide, filled with more recipes and activities to keep mealtime exciting and enjoyable.
By catering to the flexibility and variety boomers look for in meal programs, operators can help attract and engage members of this generation. How will you make your menu stand out to boomers? Let us know on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
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