Senior living operators are continuously innovating dining experiences for the next generation of residents entering communities. Providers are focusing on choice, flexibility, and sustainability to enhance the dining experiences. Senior Housing News spoke with five culinary leaders in the industry to gain insights on top trends, dynamics shaping dining experiences, and the type of experiences residents are seeking in 2024.
- Top trends you see in senior living dining in 2024:
- Dynamics shaping the current dining experience:
- Experiences residents are seeking in dining this year:
Read on for the leaders’ responses and join us at our upcoming DISHED event in Chicago on May 16 and 17 to hear more insights from industry veterans.
Ryan King, Vice President of Culinary Services at The Arbor Company
Top trends: Increased focus on health and wellness, demand for vegetarian and health-focused menu items, and sourcing local produce. Special functions like farmer’s markets and educational sessions on food benefits are gaining popularity.
Dynamics: Residents in blended communities seek more flexibility in dining options like grab-and-go markets and takeout/delivery services. There is a shift towards informal dining experiences with live cooking events and themed meals.
Experiences: Residents prefer less formality and more experiential dining. Outdoor dining, live cooking demonstrations, and themed entertainment are becoming popular choices.
Greg Sever, Vice President of Culinary Experience at Experience Senior Living
Top trends: Focus on genuine, skills-based cooking.
Dynamics: Challenges in finding and training staff for fundamental cooking skills post-COVID.
Experiences: Residents prioritize hot, timely, and tasty food post-COVID labor challenges.
Michael DeGiovanni, Vice President of Culinary Operations at MorningStar Senior Living
Top trends: Varied restaurant-style menus, emphasis on quality service, and memory care-focused nutrition. Bistros offering grab-and-go and fast-heating options are becoming popular.
Dynamics: Active clientele seeking healthier dining choices and larger dining spaces to accommodate social gatherings.
Experiences: Tableside cooking, outdoor dining, and personalized chef interactions are enhancing dining experiences.
Paige Hoffman, Director of Club Sustainability at Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons
Top trends: Technology-driven dining enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and flexible dining options are transforming senior living dining experiences.
Dynamics: A new generation of residents is reshaping dining experiences with a focus on technology, sustainability, and personalized menus.
Experiences: Residents seek flexible dining options and innovative experiences like growing food from compost and online ordering for takeout.
Kristen Burman, Director of Culinary and Mentor at Solera Senior Living
Top trends: Emphasis on upscale comfort food, brain-health supporting diets, farm-to-table cuisine, and international flavors.
Dynamics: Residents making value-driven choices, higher demand for special dietary options, and younger residents pushing for extended dining hours.
Experiences: Food-based activities like special dinners, farmers markets, cooking demos, and integrative happy hours are enhancing dining experiences.
