Grocery shopping is a household errand that you probably will have to do. However, trips to the grocery store or shopping mall don’t have to be frustrating, tiring, and painful. Seniors may dread going grocery shopping due to their physical limitations such as arthritis, or they may have a very tight budget which makes it difficult for them to decide which foods to buy. Grocery shopping also presents new challenges as we get older. The shopping basket may feel heavier as we age and we may get tired more easily during trips to the grocery store. Here are some tips to help you save time, money, and energy so that trips to the grocery store are easier, not to mention more efficient and convenient.
Don’t Go During Crowded Periods
Grocery stores and shopping centers which are crowded may pose more mobility issues and challenges for seniors. This is because it may take longer for seniors to shop during crowded periods due to long queues and waiting times. During crowded periods, essential and popular foods also tend to run out quickly as more people are buying them and seniors may not be able to purchase all their desired foods and items.
Seniors have an advantage when it comes to grocery shopping hours as they have more flexibility with their schedule and can go to the grocery store when adults are working. Ideally, the best time is to go during mid-morning or mid-afternoon as you can avoid lunch break or dinner queues.
If you choose to go during crowded periods, you may find it harder to navigate and get the items you need to purchase quickly as the store or shopping mall may be crowded. This causes inconvenience and delays the grocery shopping process.
Make A List
Seniors may also find it difficult to remember all the things they need to buy when going grocery shopping. Sometimes, you may be on the way back home after a trip to the store when you realize you forgot to buy a crucial ingredient for the pasta you’re cooking for dinner.
The best suggestion would be to write down a list of all the things you need to buy before going to the store. Think about what dishes you will be cooking or what ingredients and items you need to purchase. Is there anything special you will be cooking? Are you inviting guests over? Remember to check your fridge if any foods are low and need to be replenished or if you have run out of certain essential foods.
Making a list beforehand also helps you stick with your grocery budget so that you do not overspend. This minimizes impulse buying and the purchasing of unnecessary food or more items than necessary. By making a list and sticking to it, you will make your grocery shopping much more efficient and faster as you only have to source the items on your list. You will also prevent extra trips to the store and prevent food waste by buying items that you need.
