Baby Boomers have been known for their influence on society since their coming of age in the 60s and 70s. Now, they’re shaking up the senior living scene — right down to the type of coffee that providers offer.
Senior living providers are exploring different varieties and styles of coffee to meet the preferences of younger residents and the families that visit them.
Here’s what Baby Boomers are looking for when it comes to their next cup of joe.
Personalization
Half-caf with two sugars, iced hazelnut latte with almond milk, americano with cream: coffee orders can be as unique as the people ordering them.
According to Brad Hollenbeck, J.M. Smucker Company’s AFH Business Development Manager, specialty coffee isn’t just for Millenials and Gen Xers. Baby Boomers want personalization options, too, as they begin to explore new varieties of coffee and flavor options.
“These ‘younger’ residents are more familiar with the customization opportunities and various coffee products,” he notes. “Offering a spectrum of coffee products can play a role in recruiting Baby Boomers to your campus.”
Some offerings you might consider incorporating into your coffee rotation include:
- Decaf versions of popular coffee drinks
- Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or a holiday blend
- Hot, iced, and blended coffee drinks
- Lattes and cappuccinos
- Flavored syrups and non-dairy milk options for further customization
Convenience
Members of an older generation typically drank coffee in their homes, usually after breakfast or with dessert in the evening. Now, we often sip coffee outside the home or on the go.
Because of this change in when and how we drink coffee, Hollenbeck says convenience plays a big factor in coffee consumption. So you may consider offering quick or ready-made coffee drinks that residents and visitors can grab, just like a ready-made snack.
In fact, according to a Datassential study, 91% of consumers have had a snack beverage in the past day, and coffee is the most loved and commonly consumed snack beverage.
Sustainability
A survey conducted by Opinium Research revealed that Baby Boomers are more likely to promote and support sustainability than Millennials. So, offering environmental-friendly and ethically sourced coffee products may help your organization stand out among sustainability-conscious prospective residents.
Hollenbeck said incorporating sustainable practices, such as waste management, is a way to serve good coffee while also being conscious of your environmental impact.
“Reducing plastic and Styrofoam cups is another great option,” he says. “Several senior living communities have transitioned to compostable cup options, or started only using dishwasher safe coffee mugs for their residents to help with sustainability.”
Premium Brands
According to Datassential and Senior Living Research, nearly three-quarters of residents are more likely to eat or purchase an item with a familiar brand name. So, offering premium and well-known coffee brands within your senior living community can be advantageous.
“High-quality and versatile coffee programs may also influence family members involved in the selection process, as they will be coming to spend time with their loved ones at whichever community they select,” says Hollenbeck.
Serving top coffee brands may also convey an important message to Baby Boomers, says Hollenbeck. Top brands on the table may reinforce your facility’s overall commitment to quality.
“Specialty coffee offerings are becoming more important, as is a high level of service and quality of the drinks. A delicious and quality coffee on the table is a priority for most active and vibrant residents,” says Hollenbeck.
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