Thanksgiving is an exciting time of year filled with family, friends, and, of course, a delicious meal. However, preparing for that meal often starts with one of the most time-consuming shopping trips of the year: the Thanksgiving grocery haul. For many seniors, this task can feel overwhelming.
Thanksgiving shopping involves extended periods on your feet, maneuvering through crowded aisles, pushing a heavy shopping cart, and managing many grocery bags. But with thoughtful planning and helpful tips, holiday grocery shopping for older adults can be easier and less stressful.
Here are some ways to simplify the grocery trip and ensure it’s manageable for seniors this holiday season.
1. Place an Online Grocery Order
Many grocery stores offer the convenience of online grocery shopping. Seniors provide their shopping list through a store’s website or app, and others do the shopping for them. Some stores offer home delivery while others provide curbside pickup. Though there might be an additional fee, this service is invaluable for seniors who struggle to navigate busy stores or manage heavy carts.
If the local grocery store doesn’t offer these services, grocery delivery apps like Instacart, Shipt, or DoorDash can help. Additionally, Amazon Fresh and Walmart+ provide grocery delivery services in many areas. Another option is hiring a trusted caregiver to handle the shopping for your loved one.
Tip: Help your loved one set up a digital grocery list that saves favorite items to make next year’s Thanksgiving shopping even easier!
2. Delegate Responsibilities
Make shopping for the Thanksgiving meal a family affair by delegating grocery responsibilities to various family members. For seniors who prefer to be hands-on, having someone accompany them can make the experience easier. A family member can help push the cart, pick up heavy items, and reach for products on high shelves.
Alternatively, seniors can stay home while family members handle the shopping or pick up ingredients for specific dishes. Delegating shopping and cooking tasks helps lighten the load and ensures the trip is less stressful for everyone.
3. Use a Mobility Aid
For seniors who use walkers or other mobility aids, many grocery stores offer motorized shopping carts or scooters. These carts allow seniors to sit comfortably while navigating the aisles, reducing fatigue and making the trip more manageable. Using a motorized cart can also help seniors complete their shopping independently, without the need to push a heavy cart or stand for extended periods.
Tip: Some stores also have wide, accessible aisles and offer staff assistance for seniors. Ask about these services before visiting.
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4. Shop in the Morning
Grocery stores are less crowded in the early morning hours, providing a better shopping experience for seniors. Fewer people in the store means it’s easier to navigate the aisles. Employees are more likely to be available to assist with bagging groceries, loading bags, or other tasks.
Shopping midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) can also help avoid the weekend and pre-holiday rush. Planning a morning trip allows seniors to get in and out of the store more quickly, avoiding the crowds.
5. Make a Detailed List
A well-organized grocery list is a lifesaver when tackling a major shopping trip like Thanksgiving. Write down every ingredient needed for the meal, from canned cranberry sauce to sweet potatoes. If you know the grocery store layout, arrange the list based on where items are in your store to minimize backtracking.
This approach helps seniors shop efficiently, ensuring they don’t forget items or spend unnecessary time in the store. Additionally, bringing a list reduces stress and decreases impulse purchases by keeping the shopping trip focused. Double-check the list before heading out to make sure everything is accounted for. You don’t want to forget the green beans!
Tip: Many store apps, such as H-E-B or Kroger, can sort your digital list by aisle to make shopping even faster.
6. Break Up the Shopping Trip
Thanksgiving grocery shopping can be overwhelming. Seniors can make it more manageable by splitting the trip over a few days. It also prevents fatigue from being on their feet for too long.
For example, seniors can buy non-perishable items early, like canned goods and pantry staples, and then return a few days later for fresh produce and dairy. This approach makes each trip shorter and less stressful, while also allowing time to adapt if any items are out of stock.
7. Go to a Store with Wide Aisles
If possible, consider going to a senior-friendly grocery store with wider aisles. Larger aisles are easier for seniors to navigate, especially during busy times like Thanksgiving. They are also better able to accommodate mobility aids.
However, this might be a challenge for seniors familiar with the layout of their favorite grocery store. So it’s important to let your loved one decide which location they feel most comfortable with.
Some supermarkets even offer designated “senior shopping hours” or personal shoppers during the holidays. Ask your store about available options.
8. Clean Out the Car
Before going to the grocery store, take a few minutes to clean out the car and make space for groceries. The trunk is usually the best option for storing bags because it’s easily accessible. Plus, it prevents doors from swinging open into neighboring cars.
For seniors who may have larger shopping lists, consider clearing out additional room in the back seat as well. Reusable grocery bags or insulated totes are also helpful for organizing items and keeping cold foods fresh on the drive home.
9. Encourage Seniors to Accept Help
There’s no need for seniors to handle Thanksgiving preparations on their own. Encourage them to accept help from family, caregivers, or even transportation services that offer grocery assistance. Many transportation companies can not only provide a ride but also help with carrying groceries inside.
Hiring a caregiver who can assist with shopping, meal preparation, and transportation is another great option for seniors who want to remain involved in Thanksgiving planning without the added stress.
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Bonus Tips for a Smooth Thanksgiving
- Order from a Restaurant: Many restaurants and grocery stores now offer ready-made Thanksgiving meals or side dishes for pickup, making it easier to reduce the cooking workload. Instead of making baked goods from scratch, consider purchasing from a bakery or restaurant. This saves time and reduces the need for a long grocery list. Some families even eat out on Thanksgiving to avoid the hassle altogether.
- Try a Meal Kit: Meal kit services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, or Home Chef often offer special holiday meals around Thanksgiving. These kits come with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, cutting down on grocery shopping and meal prep. This is an excellent option for seniors who enjoy cooking but want to avoid the hassle of large grocery trips.
- Prepare Dishes in Advance: Prepping some dishes in advance and freezing them can make the Thanksgiving workload easier. For example, side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or casseroles can be prepared days in advance. Seniors can take care of the grocery shopping early, prep meals, and enjoy a more relaxing Thanksgiving day.
- Use Store Apps for Savings: With food prices continuing to rise, many stores now offer digital coupons and loyalty discounts through their apps. This is an easy way for seniors to save money on Thanksgiving essentials.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate family and gratitude, but it doesn’t have to be stressful for seniors. By utilizing these Thanksgiving grocery shopping tips for seniors, older adults can enjoy a more manageable and stress-free Thanksgiving shopping experience.
For more tips on making the holiday season easier for seniors, contact your local Caring Senior Service office.
