Creating a Welcoming Shopping Experience for All

Senior-Friendly Shopping is Part of Sensory Inclusion

Imagine this: Agnes, a vibrant 78-year-old, dreads grocery shopping. The fluorescent lights overhead hum, a barrage of music assaults her ears, and overflowing displays create a claustrophobic feeling. She longs for a calmer, more manageable shopping experience.

This scenario is all too common for many seniors and individuals with sensory sensitivities. Fortunately, stores can take proactive steps to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between senior-friendly shopping and sensory-friendliness, along with actionable tips to make your store a haven for all.

Why Senior-Friendly Shopping Matters

The population is aging rapidly. For instance, according to a recent United Nations report, the number of people aged 65 or over is projected to reach 1.6 billion globally by 2050. Furthermore, as the population ages, creating senior-friendly shopping experiences becomes not just a courtesy but a strategic necessity for businesses to cater to this growing demographic. Moreover, senior shoppers often crave a calmer, more manageable shopping experience, making sensory-friendly stores a natural fit for their needs and preferences.Additionally, research, “COVID-19 and Ageism: How Positive and Negative Responses Impact Older Adults and Society” by Monahan et al., (2020), found that senior shopping hours have been perceived positively by older adults ¹Monahan, C., Macdonald, J., Lytle, A., Apriceno, M., & Levy, S. R. (2020).

However, true inclusivity goes beyond designated times. By creating a sensory-friendly environment, stores can benefit not just seniors many more people.

Beyond Seniors: The Wider Benefits of Sensory-Friendly Shopping

• Neurodiversity and Autism: People with autism may experience sensory overload in stimulating environments.
• Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD): Individuals with SPD have difficulty processing sensory information, leading to discomfort or anxiety.
• Hearing Loss: Loud background noise can make it challenging for people with hearing loss to understand conversation or announcements.
• Visual Impairments: Poor lighting or cluttered displays can create navigation difficulties for those with low vision.
• PTSD and Post-Concussion Syndrome: Both conditions can heighten an individual’s sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
• Dementia: Individuals with dementia may become easily overwhelmed in busy environments.
• Developmental Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities: These conditions can affect sensory processing and communication.
• Long-COVID: Some individuals with long-COVID experience heightened sensory sensitivities.

It’s important to remember that sensory sensitivity and overload can be experienced across the lifespan and may be temporary or permanent. As a result, by creating a welcoming environment for all, stores can broaden their customer base and foster a more inclusive shopping experience.

Sensory-Friendly Shopping: Go Beyond Senior Hours

While senior shopping hours offer a valuable service, consider these additional strategies to create a sensory-friendly haven:

• Lighting: Opt for bright, yet diffused lighting. For example, avoid flickering or harsh fluorescent lights.
• Sound: Lower background music volume or eliminate it altogether. Additionally, reduce noise from machinery and announcements.
• Scent: Avoid using strong air fresheners or scented candles.
• Clutter: Maintain clear aisles and walkways. In addition, minimize displays that may obstruct navigation.
• Signage: Use clear, concise signage with contrasting colors and large fonts.
• Assistance: Train staff to offer assistance in a friendly and non-intrusive manner.
• Rest Areas: Provide designated quiet spaces with comfortable seating for those who need a break.
• Accessibility: Ensure accessible entrances, toilets, and parking for individuals with mobility differences.

Creating a Calmer, More Manageable Shopping Experience for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Many seniors and individuals with disabilities find shopping overwhelming. Here are more simple steps to create a more welcoming environment for seniors:

• Dedicated Shopping Hours: Offer designated shopping times for seniors and people with disabilities. This can be a quieter time in the morning or later in the day, catering to those who struggle with crowds.
• Accessibility for All: Ensure your store is accessible to everyone. This includes providing wheelchairs and electric carts, along with accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking. Train staff to assist customers with mobility limitations.
• Clear Communication: Use clear and concise signage throughout the store with large fonts and contrasting colors to help everyone navigate easily.
• Reduced Crowds: Limit the number of people allowed in the store at once creates a calmer atmosphere, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed by crowds.
• A Quieter Environment: Lower the volume of background music or eliminate it altogether. Reduce noise from machinery and announcements. This improves the experience for people with hearing loss or sensory sensitivities.
• Brighter But Calmer Lighting: Provide good lighting throughout the store, but avoid harsh fluorescent lights, flickering lights, or anything that might be visually stimulating.
• Declutter the Aisles: Keep aisles and walkways clear of unnecessary displays or clutter. Ensure easy navigation, especially for those with mobility limitations or who use mobility aids.
• Offering Assistance: Train staff to offer friendly and non-intrusive assistance to anyone who may need it. This can make a big difference for seniors or people with disabilities who might feel overwhelmed.
• Rest and Relaxation: Provide designated quiet areas with comfortable seating for people who may need a break.
• Shopping Cart Communication: Use a color-coded shopping cart system. For example, a green tag could indicate a desire for assistance, while a red tag could signify a preference for shopping independently.

Investing in Senior-Friendly Shopping: A Win-Win for All

In today’s competitive retail landscape, creating a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience is no longer optional – it’s essential. Therefore, by embracing sensory-friendly practices alongside senior-friendly initiatives, stores can unlock a broader customer base and foster loyalty. For instance, imagine Agnes, our vibrant senior from the beginning of this post, now happily navigating a calm, well-lit store, able to browse at her own pace and find the items she needs. In summary, this positive experience is what sensory-friendly shopping is all about – creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Creating a Retail Landscape for Everyone

We hope this blog post has ignited a passion for creating a more inclusive travel experience for all! By embracing sensory-friendly practices, you’re not just opening doors for a wider audience, you’re fostering a welcoming environment that caters to a diverse range of travelers.

FAQs About Senior-Friendly Shopping

Who experiences sensory sensitivity in shopping environments?

Sensory sensitivity can affect people of all ages, including seniors, individuals with autism, and those with sensory processing disorders. Understanding sensory sensitivity helps in creating more inclusive shopping experiences for everyone, read our blog: Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?

What’s the difference between Autism Hour and Sensory-Friendly Shopping?

Autism Hour typically focuses on creating a calm, supportive environment specifically for individuals with autism during a set time. Sensory-Friendly Shopping expands that concept, offering adjustments to the shopping environment at any time to accommodate various sensory needs, including those of seniors. Learn more in our blog: Autism Hour vs. Sensory-Friendly Shopping

How can we create inclusive, sensory-friendly shopping spaces?

Creating inclusive shopping environments is a collaborative effort. Learn more about working together to build a sensory-friendly world with our blog Creating Inclusive Spaces Together: Building a Sensory-Friendly World with Collaboration.

Making Senior-Friendly Shopping a Reality: Sensory-Friendly Solutions

Certified Sensory-Friendly Locations

We certify stores, malls, and other shopping environments to ensure they are sensory-friendly. Our certification process helps businesses create inclusive spaces that accommodate seniors and anyone with sensory sensitivities: Sensory Friendly Solutions Certification.

Recognized Sensory-Friendly Products

Look for our Sensory-Friendly Product Recognition to find items that have been vetted for their sensory-friendly qualities, helping you choose products that offer comfort and ease for those with sensory needs: Recognized Products.

Start with Sensory-Friendly 101

Get the basics with our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course, which provides essential tools and strategies to help businesses create more inclusive shopping environments.

Watch Our Founder’s Video on Training Memberships

Learn more about our comprehensive training membership in a short video from our founder, Christel Seeberger. Discover how your business can gain access to all our sensory-friendly courses and resources.

Stay Informed with Our Latest Blog Posts

Keep up to date with the newest insights on sensory-friendly practices. Read our latest blog posts to discover more ways to make shopping experiences inclusive for seniors and those with sensory sensitivities.

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