Five Retirement Village Trends Shaping Catering in 2026

Retirement villages are evolving rapidly as a new generation of older adults seek greater independence and meaningful connection. With demand for residential models growing and residents reporting higher activity levels and fewer health visits, dining services are now central to wellbeing and everyday satisfaction. Discover the five key trends shaping retirement village catering in 2026.

1. Lifestyle-driven food experiences

Mealtimes are increasingly seen as central to residents’ daily experience, offering comfort, connection and something to look forward to. Modern retirement village catering reflects this by focusing on restaurant-style quality food and welcoming communal spaces, with themed evenings, chef demonstrations and relaxed café settings alongside more traditional dining. These are the types of experiences that help residents feel part of a vibrant, engaging community.

2. Personalised nutrition

With health needs becoming more varied, residents increasingly look for meals that help them feel well, energised and supported. National food trends show a rising interest in nutrition that promotes vitality, and this is reflected in retirement village catering too. Whether it’s allergen-friendly dishes, texture-modified meals or simple, wholesome recipes built around whole foods and lean proteins, the emphasis is on offering choices that nourish without ever compromising on flavour.

3. Operational efficiency

As food prices rise and staffing shortages continue, catering teams are under more pressure than ever. Retirement village catering now relies on smarter, more scalable processes, such as ready-to-use elements and smarter production planning, to keep services running smoothly. These approaches help teams deliver personalised meals while staying in control of quality and cost. Our Catering Procurement Plus offering helps make this possible by simplifying procurement and strengthening cost control across senior living catering.

4. Choice-led dining

Today’s residents want dining that fits around their lives, not the other way around. Retirement village catering is evolving to offer more choice than ever, from restaurant-style spaces to casual cafés, easy grab-and-go options and menus that change with the seasons. With interest in whole-food cooking, bolder flavours and more sociable shared dishes continuing to rise, we expect to see villages offering even more flexible dining formats.

5. Sustainable food practices

Ethics and sustainability are now central considerations for residents and their families. Catering teams in retirement villages are increasingly expected to use locally sourced ingredients, minimise waste and be transparent about where food comes from. These practices not only reflect the values of today’s senior adults, but also lead to fresher, more flavourful meals.

Bringing modern dining to retirement villages

Dining plays a powerful role in shaping daily life for our residents, bringing comfort, connection and moments of joy. By combining nutritious menus with streamlined processes and sustainable sourcing, we support operators in delivering dining experiences that residents can appreciate and look forward to every day.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your community with thoughtful, resident-focused dining, we’d love to hear from you.