Lifestyle Solo Dining Tips for Seniors 10/18/2024 | By Kari Smith The experience of dining out alone can feel awkward for someone not accustomed to it. In fact, dining solo, especially for women, was once considered socially inappropriate. Fortunately, times have changed, and dining alone is not only accepted but can also be enjoyable and empowering. As someone who has grown to appreciate solo dining, I remember those early, awkward days after becoming single again, when it felt isolating and unfamiliar. Now, several years later, I’ve come to embrace it. In fact, I even prefer it on many occasions. With restaurants increasingly catering to solo diners, there are steps you can take to ensure your experience is comfortable and fulfilling. Tips for solo dining Start small Begin by choosing casual dining establishments. These environments are more relaxed and usually focus on faster service, making it easier to adjust to dining alone. Once you feel comfortable, it may be easier to transition to more upscale restaurants. Understand your motivation Consider why you’re dining out alone. Perhaps you live in a bustling, multigenerational household and are seeking a break from the noise, or maybe you’ve recently lost a partner and are learning to navigate new routines. Dining out might be part of self-care, treating yourself to a meal you didn’t have to prepare or clean up after. Understanding your motivations can guide your dining choices and help you create a positive experience. To chat or not to chat? Your dining experience can vary depending on whether you prefer solitude or social interaction. If you’re looking for quiet time – perhaps to work, read, or reflect – request a small table in a more secluded area. On the other hand, if you enjoy chatting with others, bar seating can offer a more social atmosphere. You’re more likely to strike up a conversation with other patrons or the staff at the bar. As a plus, the social interaction can feed your soul, especially if you live alone. How social connections can slow dementia Choosing the right table If you prefer a table, opt for a smaller table that accommodates one or two people. This shows consideration for the servers and restaurant since it ensures efficient use of space and prevents holding up larger tables. If you’re seated at a larger table, consider leaving a more generous tip to reflect the potential loss in service to other patrons, or order a second meal to go (leftovers!). While it’s important to savor your alone time, try to be mindful of lingering too long, allowing others to be seated. Stay entertained while you wait Waiting for your meal alone can feel lengthy without something to occupy your time. If people-watching or quiet reflection isn’t your style, bring along a book, or load your favorite novel on your phone or tablet. Many restaurants and sports bars offer entertainment through large televisions or live music, providing engaging distractions. If you’re a fan of live performances, seek out venues that offer music or other entertainment. If you work remotely, solo dining can be a great way to escape the home office while enjoying a healthy meal. In a busy household, it can be difficult to concentrate. Dining out provides a peaceful environment with minimal interruptions, aside from friendly check-ins from wait staff. Share your experience If you have a positive experience, share it! Whether through social media, online reviews, or simply word-of-mouth, spreading the word about favorable solo dining experiences can encourage others to try it too. Enjoy the moment If you’re dining alone as an act of self-care or to embrace solitude, consider putting away distractions like your phone and fully enjoying the moment. The rise in solo dining is notable, with OpenTable reporting a 29% increase in solo reservations over the past two years. This figure doesn’t even account for diners at restaurants that don’t require reservations. You don’t need a specific reason to dine alone – it can be as simple as enjoying your independence or exploring a new restaurant you’ve been curious about. Worried about what others think? Consider how often you’ve noticed someone dining solo and questioned their reasons for doing so. Chances are, you haven’t. Most people are too absorbed in their own experiences to pay attention to whether others are dining alone or in company. Solo dining is an opportunity to embrace your independence, enjoy a meal on your own terms, and, most importantly, savor the moment. Read More Kari Smith Kari Smith is a frequent contributor to Seniors Guide, helping to keep those in the senior industry informed and up-to-date. She's a Virginia native whose love of writing began as a songwriter recording her own music. In addition to teaching music and performing in the Richmond area, Kari also enjoys riding horses and farming.