Remember when grocery shopping meant grabbing a cart, checking the weekly sales flyer, and paying a cashier who actually bagged your groceries? These days, a simple trip to the supermarket can involve downloading an app, scanning digital coupons, navigating self-checkout machines, and figuring out which advertised prices require a loyalty account. While some of these conveniences save time and money, others can make shopping unnecessarily complicated, particularly for customers who prefer a straightforward experience. And this isn’t simply a matter of older adults resisting technology.
According to AARP’s 2026 Technology Trends report, 66% of adults ages 50 and older say technology enriches their lives, but approximately 60% believe today’s technology isn’t designed with their age group in mind. That distinction matters at the supermarket, where digital discounts, complicated checkout systems, and mobile applications can create barriers for shoppers who simply want to buy groceries at a fair price. Here are 10 modern grocery store features that some older shoppers would gladly do without.