Senior Spotlight: Food Is The Future

Culinary services are becoming the main dish in the development of new senior communities.

Just last week, Senior Housing News focused on a food-related topic that we can all sink our teeth into – senior living, dining & dietary wellness! Gone are the days of single-choice senior ‘cafeteria’ style venues, as retirees have expressed that they desire a wider array of options. Many senior housing communities now include restaurants, pubs, cafes and bistros – some of which are also open to the public and add important social connectivity.

As new senior housing is being built and older communities are adapting to today’s preferences, developers are devising a new approach to how kitchen & dining spaces are being designed:

| The focus is now on function and efficiency rather than space. It’s imperative that many types of dishes for many dietary needs can be prepared – no matter how big or small the space.

| Dining areas are being designed around the local food scene and modeled after menu concepts that are popular in the region & community.

| Some eating spaces include ‘teaching kitchens’ to engage the residents & the public in classes and food trends.

| ‘Mindful aging’ elements of senior housing eateries include zen-inspired atmospheres and access to outdoor space.

| Food is viewed as the focus of resident well-being and more collaboration with the health side of senior communities is coming into play. Residents want to play an active role in their nutrition choice as well – so ways to incorporate personal dietary preferences are also top of mind.

Resource Used: Culinary Construction: How Kendal Corp., HRA Design Senior Living Dining Spaces

Is anyone else feeling hungry?! How has your view of food & fun or food & wellness changed with age? I’d love to hear about it: bobbi@bobbidecker.com

All my best,

Bobbi

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com

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Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/