Why are elderly poeple so attracted to buffets and cafeterias?

Answer 1

Veriety. Besides they also have alot of senor discounts. Home cooked taste for cheap. Younger people like them too, for mostly the same reasons. They say when we get old we revert to our younger days/ways, think about it.. we do!

Answer 2

I find as I'm older that my tastes are changing. And there's
not a whole lot in food, that I get excited about. Now my favor-
ite food is Chinese. But most restaurants don't serve the old
Cantonese style of cooking anymore. They make the Hong
Kong style which appeals to the younger set of Asians I have
found. I call it 'stir fry' as that's all I can see that it is. And that
can be made at home anytime. If I am treated to a dinner out
on a rare occasion, you can be sure, I'm going to eat something I can't or won't fix at home. Nor will my husband.
So when we do go for dinner somewhere. It is at bargain
prices, you can believe that. And that is only if by some luck
we have something extra to spend to eat out. As normally
there's too much month at the end of the money.
We used to enjoy a family buffet chain, that is a tad more
costly than the Chinese buffet and restaurant we prefer to
go to, since our once favorite spot is too far away from us
now. The buffet we go to, is always packed to the gills with
people. It's hard to find a parking spot in their lot unfilled. The
last time we went there, my sister treated me, but we had to
kill time until an empty spot was vacant. They don't even
advertise. And they don't need to.
A good reason why elderly people like buffets is if they are
on restricted diets, they have such a wide choice of things to
choose from. They can sample some things, and enjoy the
taste of a couple of bites, without having to eat a normal
portion. Or they can use the salad bar without guilt and still
allow themselves fresh roast beef or baked fish with lemon,
and fresh fruits and melons and there's always soup too. And
for the picky eaters, they can't help but find something to their
liking. And I'm a pickier eater as I've gotten older than I was
before. Now the price we pay is about $7.00 with a dollar
off for a senior discount. It pays to ask anywhere these days
if they offer one. They can only say no, and if yes, you save
a couple of dollars. And there's no tipping at a buffet. Or at
least any I've ever gone to. There are people who bring your
drinks, and they clean the table after you leave. You serve
yourself, and carry your plate back. Or plates, if you go back
for seconds or dessert.
Basically a buffet is an all around good buy for the money.
And it's often a big treat for the majority of us who stay at
home and watch diets, due to something being restricted.

Answer 3

As we say out west, 'more chuck for the buck'...obviously. The other point is that many buffet/cafeterias have early-bird special prices that seniors enjoy, as in from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 a few dollars less... The choices, the salads, the veggies...and no pretensions ["Hi, I'm Bruce and I'll be your waiter" type of schtuff], no tipping, generally well-lit and cheerful surroundings, free refills on coffee or tea..and no need to dress up, sweats & trainers for all. Most seniors have already experienced the haute bourgeoisie foofaraw of Terribly Nice Restaurants and are relieved to find homey atmosphere and realistic pricing for their realistic circumstances.

Answer 4

Because they have more of a variety of what you can choose to eat with your meal. Regular restaurants don't give you much of a choice of what goes with your meal. Plus you decide how big your portions are, although at regular restaurants, I ask for a doggy bag for my dog, which I do have one, and he loves it when I do go out to eat and he gets his treat of leftovers. I wish buffets would allow that for the elderly, but then many I am sure would be taking a lot home just to have for the next day or too.

Answer 5

when a person is about 50 or so and they visit the doctors office, the doctor secretely implants a computer chip that responds to a beacon that all cafeteria and buffet restaurants broadcast from the top of their buildings. Thus attracting this particular group of customers.

Answer 6

Because it's faster, you can see rather than guess what the dish looks like, you're not bothered being asked too often if you need anything, it's less stiff an atmosphere, you won't get more than you can eat, since you can say "that's enough", and if you want dessert, you don't have to order it and wait when you've finished the meal. Because you don't have to look your best. Only drawback is crying babies. In many cafeterias, you've already paid up front, and can just leave afterward. And you don't have to add a tip.

Answer 7

Young lady!! There are many things in life that you have yet to learn! Start with the fact that most older people do not have the appetite to eat a full service restaurant meal; The ability to choose out of many items offered, even if very little is taken is an attraction. Economics comes into play since many elderly live on limited income, probably less than you get in allowance. So buffets and cafeterias offer very good quality and quantity at reasonable prices. Thinking cap please!!!

Answer 8

This is a possibility> These guys came out of the depression where they leaned thriftiness which they never forgot. They worked hard, economized and saved their whole life "so they'd never be hungry again". Buffets are a bargain and a good meal so they continue as they have for 75 or 80 yrs. Blessings- juju

Answer 9

Um? I see a lot of younger people piggy out at the buffet along with their kids. I would assume variety of foods to choose from, cheap price for all that you get, no tipping, no cooking and don't forget the senior discounts. Plus it is as close as you can get to a home-cooked meal that is more American than Ethnic. I love down home food, and I am just a boomer.

Answer 10

I like buffets because there's no way I could afford to make a salad just for me with as much variety as I get at the buffet. I also like to "browse" the vegetable selection and have a bit of fruit. Cooking for one is such a drag even though I love to cook and bake. Can't see myself preparing one piece of chicken or fish.

Answer 11

You can see what it is, buffets are particularly good because you don't have to take a normal portion. Often elderly people live alone and its just not fun to cook for one. You can take your time to select.
When I was a child my grandmother used to take me to see Father Christmas and going to the cafeteria was a special treat, I always had the green jelly with a chocolate frog in. There are not many of this type of cafeteria around now but I still feel that childish thrill when I do go...........especially if they have green jelly with chocolate frogs in ( but I don't buy them, no it's plain jelly now )
I wonder if Father Christmas...................hmm