One wonders if our businesses in Goshen County have thought about marketing to our senior population?

Are restaurants offering “early bird” discounts? Are healthcare providers offering earlier appointments to seniors? Are local media pursuing advertising targeted toward the needs of seniors? Are faith groups attempting to reach the needs of older residents, both in their congregations and the Goshen County community at large?

Some local businesses seem to be trying with promotional ads for the older population on Wednesday’s discounts.

Goshen County School District No. 1 has embarked on a project, titled “Yes – Youth Educating Seniors.” The program brings young people to teach senior citizens how to use electronic devices, including smart phones, computers and tablets, so “intergenerational communication” can be improved, with one-to-one tutoring sessions.

For businesses that provide groceries, competition becomes difficult in rural communities. Which is understandable. Our older son, living in Arlington, Va., tells me he, a single person, can find groceries that households with only one or two individuals can purchase packaged items for appropriate consumers. I realize this is a problem for small, isolated areas, but I think we might do better.

Some examples that create problems for the elderly include bundling veggies and fruits. One or two folks in a home don’t need six or eight bananas nor two pounds of Brussel sprouts. Small canned fruits and vegetables are provided – on the top shelf? Bread products should be downsized.

One of my friends who lives alone recently told me she would like a homemade hamburger. She asked me, ‘What do I do with eight buns? How long will it take to consume a loaf of bread?’

Just some food for thought.