Alexandria, VA – This past fall I hosted a family reunion. Although not everyone I hoped would come was able to be here, first and second cousins traveled from New York State, Massachusetts, Florida and Washington State. Fortunately for me, my adult kids all live fairly close by. It was a dream come true. We elder cousins dubbed it our “Farewell Tour.” We shared lots of stories and meals, some in my home and one in a restaurant.
Selecting a restaurant was somewhat daunting. beginning with finding one that offered a menu that could accommodate everyone’s likes.
As I began writing this column, I mused on what is most important to me when I dine out with family or friends. For this elder*, it’s more than the décor or even the menu. It’s the shared time, the almost sacred time. For that to happen, the dining room has to be quiet enough to converse comfortably with my companions. I have literally walked back out the door of some restaurants as soon as I open it if the noise level is high.
Since walking has become difficult for me, I want free or reasonably priced parking nearby.
I’m curious about what provisions are being made on lower King Street now that it’s closed to vehicles.
I appreciate low calorie, and especially, low salt options. Having raised four children mostly on my own and being responsible for my finances most of my adult life, price matters.
Some friends say they appreciate lighting that enables their aging eyes to read the menu. Some say they want menus that are easy to handle and easy to understand. Some use walkers or wheelchairs, so steps can be a problem. A nearby spot to safely “park” a walker is a plus, as is wheelchair accessible seating.
What about you? We’re asking for your input so we can learn what’s important to you.
The following Elder Dining Survey was designed with much appreciated help from Publisher Mary Wadland, Publisher’s Assistant Kevin Dauray, and Zebra Contributing Writer Susan McLain Sullivan.
We’re asking you to rate on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being most important, what’s important to you when you select a restaurant. Responses are requested by midnight March 31.
Responses will be tabulated and published in the May issue. The results will be shared with local restaurateurs with the hope they will be inspired to make their restaurants more attractive to our community of elders.
* Maybe it’s my age, but I prefer the term “Elder Dining” to “Senior Dining” because in some societies, elders, by virtue of their experience, are considered worthy of great respect.
Please email your response to [email protected] or mail it to Nina Tisara, 6408 Hayfield Place, Alexandria, VA 22310.
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Elder Dining Survey
(We request that respondents be 65 years old or better.)
What is most important to you when you select a restaurant?
Please rate the following factors on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being most important.
The Facility
Sound Level (Am I able to converse comfortably with companions?) ____
Lighting (Is the room light enough for me to read the menu?) ____
Wheelchair Accessibility (if applicable to you or your dining companions)
Availability of ramps and/or elevators ____
Provision for wheelchair accessible seating ____
Provision of a place to “park” a walker while dining ____
Parking Availability (Is parking available on-site or nearby?) ____
The Menu
Availability of an easy to hold and understand menu ____
Availability of diet options for low calorie/low salt/gluten-free meals ____
Availability of lower cost options for “off” hours or smaller portions ____
Quality of food ____
Is anything else important to you?_____________________________________________________
Approximately how often do you eat out a month? ___________
Your name and email address (optional). _________________________________________________________________
(Your contact information will not be sold or shared.)
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Mosaic Artist-Photographer Nina Tisara is founder of Living Legends of Alexandria
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