Never Too Late: Pandemic Propels Older Shoppers Online

ABC News reports that the pandemic is encouraging many isolated older adults to shop online. NPD Group's Checkout Tracking estimated that Americans 65 and older purchased an average of nearly $187 per month online last year, a 60 percent year-over-year gain. Instacart President Nilam Ganenthiran expects online groceries will become a "new normal" for seniors even after the pandemic. Moving online has not always been easy for seniors, and adult children and assisted living staff often must assist them. Barbara Moran at Atria Senior Living in New Jersey said a major challenge for residents with devices is familiarizing themselves with tapping rather than pushing. Internet merchants and delivery services hope the over-65 crowd maintains their online shopping habits. Prepared meal delivery service Freshly, for instance, is considering the addition of smaller portions and low-sodium options aimed at seniors, while Instacart has set up a phone support line.