elderly people

How does new technology benefit older people?

Back to an analog world

Not so long ago, many aspects of our lives were a lot simpler – work meetings were in person, pen and paper were used to take orders at restaurants and cash was most definitely the most common method of payment. Everyone was well adapted to those methods. 

So, when new technologies started to emerge, many found it hard to adjust, especially elderly people who have spent their whole lives working and living face-to-face.

New technologies in a post-pandemic world

For many years, technology has been dramatically developing. In terms of communication, social media was introduced, followed by networks such as LinkedIn, which facilitated the job market. Digital websites for restaurants where customers can visualise menus and book tables were also launched.

After the pandemic, even more innovations were introduced into our lives to minimise human contact: meetings became fully online, university courses started offering entirely digital degrees, and restaurants launched QR codes for contactless ordering and payment. Not only that, but several businesses became cashless. 

While so many of us can view these progressions as positive changes, it’s important to consider how these technological enhancements affect older people’s lives.

How have new technologies impacted the elderly?

A high number of older people have mentioned feeling left out from the digital world.  While it is undeniable that technology has brought benefits for older people in terms of communication with family and friends during the pandemic, it is important to note that new technologies have also made their lives ten times harder.

A focus group conducted by Frontiers in Psychology found that older adults between 65-76 years old are willing to learn how to use new digital developments but are scared of the lack of instructions and complexity.

It’s arguable that human service and interaction can truly transform the hospitality experience. For instance, 5 Star restaurants or luxury boutiques regard service as essential as it makes the customer feel important, ultimately impacting their business positively. This kind of experience is why many people would rather go to a physical store or go to restaurants instead of ordering.

How can we support the elderly using new technologies?

Technology has certainly helped the world in many ways. It’s clear that young generations are in charge of helping older people to adjust to new technologies that will facilitate their lives; yet as businesses keep rapidly innovating, it is also their duty to support older people. 

As the world evolves, elderly have difficulties in catching up with the pace of technology. Businesses who specially receive a considerable amount of older people visiting their venue should consider carrying workshops in order to help them, even if it is as little as once a month – people help the people.  

In regard to food & beverage companies specifically, a good idea to be inclusive, is to offer both methods of service. Perhaps a QR code menu in which you can order from, but also a physical menu and a staff member for those who need it.

 

Get in touch with Posh Cockney for innovating ideas on how to make your business accessible for all. 


August Marketing Calendar

Important Dates for your August Marketing Calendar (+ Content Ideas)

Your August Marketing Calendar

August is almost here with promises of lots of fun in the sun to be had! With the month fast approaching, we thought we’d share our August Marketing Calendar, highlighting the dates you should be looking out for in your content planning.

It’s mid-Summer, the sun is shining and the kids are out of school for the holidays. What better way to prepare than by planning marketing content based on key August dates?

From fun events like National Cat Day to more meaningful celebrations like World Humanitarian Day, August provides lots of opportunity for creative marketing ideas – so let’s make the most of it!

Find a pen and include some of these dates in your August Marketing Calendar.

1st August: Yorkshire Day

This month begins with the celebration of Yorkshire Day. Have you ever been to this region of the UK? It’s so beautiful that it even gets its own national day!

Whether your restaurant is traditionally British or a completely foreign cuisine, bring a little Yorkshire into your eatery, making your ‘special of the day’ a Yorkshire food  –  this could be a Yorkshire pudding, a Yorkshire curd tart… and serve it for the day! 

Don’t forget to ask your customers to post it on their social media using a special hashtag and tagging your restaurant.

August Marketing Calendar

2nd August: National Night Out

Did someone say National Night Out? This is typically a national day in the United States, but who doesn’t love going out? So, let’s celebrate it in the UK as well! 

This is a good opportunity for bars and restaurants to create some special offers or events, for example, an extended happy hour (perhaps for the whole night), or a student night in which you pay an entry price and only students are allowed, with shots deals and cocktail jugs. 

Or, for restaurants that want to offer something more relaxed, perhaps serve a free glass of wine to everyone who orders a main course.

5th August: National Cycle to Work Day

Did you know that cycling is linked to lower risk of heart disease and cancer? The UK introduced “National Cycle to Work Day” back in 2013 and it’s most definitely a great initiative.

For any business wanting to bring in more customers, offering a stamp card that encourages customers to cycle to your venue, with the promise of a discount once a certain number of stamps is reached, can be a brilliant idea.

8th August: National Cat Day

It’s Cat Day! Are you a pet shop? How about asking your followers to share a picture of their cat on social media tagging your company for a chance to win a discount or freebie? Customers love to feel special and this is a great opportunity to bring more awareness to your business. You can also share pictures of the cats at your shop as well! Who doesn’t love pet pics??

If you run a hotel, why not use this occasion to become pet-friendly and announce this to your customers and target audience? Every year, so many hotel bookings are lost due to the fact that the hotel does not allow furry friends. If you are already a pet-friendly venue, make sure to announce it on social media and create awareness among your customer group.

8th-14th August: Afternoon Tea Week

Forget national days, there’s a whole week designed to celebrate Britain’s famous tradition of Afternoon Tea. Yes, you heard right – we are in Britain after all. Is there any better way to celebrate than by having a whole week dedicated to afternoon tea? 

Are you a business that serves afternoon tea? You could launch a giveaway competition on your socials – the winner gets a free afternoon tea experience! Competition: Tag 3 friends on the original post, repost it on their story and voila! They have entered the competition.

Afternoon Tea Week

12th August: International Youth Day

On 12th August, it’s International Youth Day. This day was created by the United Nations with the purpose to enhance awareness of cultural and legal issues affecting youth of today. 

Regardless of the type of business you run, try dedicating a few hours to creating a safe space for young staff and customers and decide on a youth-focused charity that your brand will start supporting. If you’re a restaurant business, why not dedicate a special dish or drink to the charity, donating a percentage of all sales? It is undeniable that this approach will benefit your company professionally and personally; doing good for people will attract even more valuable customers that support important causes.

Another option could be a brand display of appreciation to young people. You could invite a youngster to perform at your venue, singing, dancing, even painting – you name it!

13th August: National Prosecco Day

Did someone say prosecco? Bottomless brunch is always a success: they provide so much fun and the ideal way for your business to attract happy customers.

Host a Bottomless Brunch and offer delicious food along with bottomless prosecco and entertainment. Who wouldn’t want that? In terms of food, you can offer anything from pizzas to waffles, whatever is your specialty. Customers can enjoy bottomless prosecco or prosecco-based cocktails.

Get your customers involved! Host a competition that allows customers to create a prosecco-based cocktail of their choice to be added to your menu. Ensure they tag a friend, follow your account and share to their story to enter, increasing brand exposure.

19th August: World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day. People help the people. On this day, why not donate 40% of every bill paid to an important cause? For instance, donate to the people of Ukraine and all families affected by the ongoing war.

22nd August: World Plant Milk Day

For a restaurant owner, create and post a dish or drink on socials usually made with normal milk substituted with plant milk, making your customers aware that you offer vegan alternatives. This is a great way to ensure all your customers feel included and catered for.

24th August: National Dog Day

Dogs are adorable and today is their day! Invite your customers to bring their pet into your venue. This will let everyone know that your business embraces the connection between humans and their pets. But, make sure to have loads of water pots for them – it’s still August!

National Dog Day

31st August: Summer Bank Holiday

It’s the last day of August and with the end of summer approaching, most people are out of work trying to enjoy as much as possible. 

This is a great opportunity for restaurants to provide Summer discounts or special offers to their customers while they’re out of work. For example, cater to family and friend groups with food platters at a 15% discount price for groups of +4, or cocktail jugs can be a great idea to attract customers. 

Looking for something more exciting? Host an event at your venue: DJs, canapes, drinks, photo booths and more. You might want to charge an advance ticket price so it’s more exclusive and the event is profitable.

Still need some more marketing ideas? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today for a more tailored plan to your specific business or event. Planning a little further ahead? Check out our marketing calendars for March, April, May and June


World Chocolate Day

As we move further into July, there’s only one thing to look forward to: World Chocolate Day! On 7th July, the whole world celebrates chocolate – and when it’s not a national heatwave, often hot chocolate.

History of chocolate

About 5,300 years ago, chocolate traces were found in the upper part of Ecuador – considered “food of gods” for many. This confection is made of cocoa seeds found in forests in Central and South America. Back in the day, chocolate wasn’t a sweet treat, it was cocoa beans mixed with other ingredients to create a bitter chocolate drink for the wealthy mayans. However for the less privileged, it was used only in funerals and as a sacred offering. 

In 1500, chocolate arrived in Europe and maintained its symbol of luxury, only consumed by the affluent.

World Chocolate Day

Chocolate and the UK

In 1847, the first edible chocolate bar was introduced by J.S. Fry & Sons, a British company, and not long after Cadbury launched a Valentine’s Day box and Easter Egg (currently, Fry’s Chocolate is produced by Cadbury.) From there, more and more innovations have been brought and distributed to the market, including the introduction of many varieties of flavors, prices and brands, making chocolate easily available to the vast majority.

How important is chocolate in our lives?

Especially in Europe, it seems to be very important! Europe can be considered the biggest consumer of chocolate in the world. With Germans being the top customers, they eat an average of 11 kilograms of chocolate per capita a year, followed by Switz averaging 9.7. 

Although affected by COVID-19, Europe reached a market value of 46 billion euros in 2020, expected to grow by 2.2% a year until 2026. Not only is Europe the biggest market for chocolate, but it is also the biggest importer.

Chocolate in the restaurant industry

It is easy to suggest that most restaurants around the world serve something with chocolate on their menu, as it is estimated that at least 1 billion people eat chocolate everyday. Newness comes everyday: new cafes with imaginative desserts, such as Said Dal 1923, and many others have been introduced. This reminds us just how important it is for the catering industry to integrate chocolate into menus, with vegan options available as well.

How do you plan to celebrate World Chocolate Day on the 7th? Posh Cockney’s clients, such as Happy and St Martin’s House, have unbelievably delicious chocolatey desserts for you to enjoy on this special day!

World Chocolate Day

 

Get in touch with Posh Cockney today to find out how you can better connect with your customers and create unforgettable brand experiences.