In 15 years, nearly 21 million Americans are expected to be over the age of 75. That is 4 million more than now, and the proportion of those over the age of 85 is growing the fastest. The consequences of this trend cannot be ignored, as the progressive “graying of America” will have important implications on spending and food demand. Expect more products to focus on the elderly demographic, targeting their needs and wants.
As it stands now, this group represents a large but uncultivated demographic. The Global New Products Database (GNPD), Chicago, identifies only 10 products introduced in the last two years as targeting seniors (aged 55+). Six were egg, meat and poultry products irradiated to kill foodborne illness-causing bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli.