Older Americans' Dining Out Preferences

Abstract

Continuing growth of the older population segment has forced restaurants to prepare for dynamic social changes in the U.S. As the number of older Americans increases, physical and psychological changes associated with aging impact their dining out behavior. A survey of 407 Americans aged 55 and over was conducted in August 2001 in Indiana to determine how older Americans make eating out decisions. Results of this study suggest that older Americans are more likely to dine out for socialization than convenience. This paper provides useful information for restaurants to understand the growing older market and to make marketing plans.

Understanding Taiwan Seniors’ Motivation to Consume Food-Away-From-Home

“…In addition, older diners also reported that they had problems with servers who did not know their products (Seo, Wildes, & DeMicco, 2001). In previous research study, the top criteria selected by approximately 70% of older consumers were the quality of food and cleanliness (Yamanaka et al, 2003). Moschis et al (2003) found that the top reason for older consumers to choose FAFH was proximity to respondents' homes or workplaces.…”

“…Falk, Bisogni, and Sobal (1996) and Williams, DeMicco, and Kotschevar (1997) also identified socializing and companionship as the primary reasons for older individuals eating meals at congregate eating places. Yamanaka et al (2003) found a significant difference in the social reasons for dining out among different age groups of older consumers. Their results indicated the number of social factors cited as a reason for dining out increased with age.…”

“…Restaurants are missing out on huge profits by not serving this demographic". Thus, restaurant managers utilize a number of techniques to attract seniors including discount, early bird specials, healthy promotions, free birthday meals, smaller size portions, and shuttle services to restaurants (Staff, 1997;Yamanaka, Almanza, Nelson, & DeVaney, 2003). Previous seniors' FAFH consumption studies focused more on descriptive explanations and simple comparisons.…”

Selection criteria of customers of Chinese restaurants and their dining habits

“…The younger group indicated that their most important reason for choosing a restaurant was the possibility for comfortable sociality and this factor influenced the patronage behaviour. Yamanaka et al (2003) study revealed that older customers preferred restaurants that provided good quality food, cleanliness, and reasonable prices. Chen and Bowen (2001) found that good concept, consistency of food quality, standard food preparation and cooking processes, cost control, training programs, Western management and Eastern expertise, marketing, customer satisfaction, brand name awareness and location were the major factors that determined the success of chain of Chinese restaurants in the USA.…”

Consumer behavior research in hospitality and tourism journals

“…Research by Moschis et al (2003) suggests that mature consumers respond differently to various marketing promotions, but that monetary appeals might not be the most effective way of reaching this target population. These more mature consumers seem to strive for socialization when dining out (Yamanaka et al, 2003). In terms of advertising, hospitality and tourism marketers need to understand how behavioral scripting in TV ads influences older consumers' perceptions of hospitality products and services (Peterson and Sautter, 2003).…”