For years people felt that if they could eat hamburgers and drink coke, they could taste part of the American dream. But that concept is changing. These days the happy meal is not doing so well. McDonald’s introduced an inexpensive dollar meal in the U.S. which triggered a price war that depressed the entire fast-food industry. The company has also been slow to respond to health complaints about the high fat content of its menu. Perhaps the public is becoming more aware of healthy food, healthy eating and a healthier life style. The company’s efforts to appeal to healthy eaters seems to be failing. Furthermore, the public seems to be complaining about long lines, lack of cleanliness in the restaurants and unhealthy, uninteresting food. Even hiding its golden arches in Paris and opening a drive-through for snowmobiles in Sweden has done little to boost consumer interest in its fast foods.

It seems that the arches are still doing well in China where there are 500 outlets and more than a hundred restaurants estimated to open. Prices, however, are so high it is not unusual to see a family of four sharing one ice cream. In Paraguay few people can afford a meal at McDonald’s. The local population can enjoy an empanada - the street food of choice - for about one-fifth the price of a Big Mac. It appears to be somewhat difficult and more expensive to find local suppliers who can keep the fries at nine thirty-seconds of an inch wide, which are cut from potatoes with 21 percent starch. The golden arches have ceased their global expansion. McDonald’s makes 80 percent of its sales in the United States, Britain, France and Germany.

McDonald’s is reviewing its global marketing strategies by considering “fast-casual” dining. It is considering grilled chicken flatbread sandwiches, using fresh ingredients. It is also looking at offering coffee, drinks, cakes and bread - something like Starbuck’s? Furthermore, the company is considering a 1950’s-style sit-down diner service providing foods such as steaks. McDonald’s has brought in 30 top chefs to brainstorm ideas for culinary ideas in its efforts to revamp its food presentations.

Perhaps consumers are more educated these days and much more interested in longevity. People are eating to keep healthy, so that they can enjoy their long lives. The war babies, or the generation of the 40’s intends to enjoy its retirement by keeping fit and healthy longer than previous generations. There is a growing number of people in their 50’s and 60’s who have worked hard, saved hard and now want to enjoy the merits of their working days. By the year 2050 most Americans will live to the age of 83. What better way than to eat healthy, eat well, stay fit, travel, participate in sports and investigate other interests and activities. This aging segment of the population has more money and time to spend on purchasing and preparing food, and entertaining their friends and families.

Diet is an important aspect of aging. Consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables halves the likelihood of some cancers and lowers the odds of developing heart disease, diabetes and gastrointestinal problems. Abandoning high-fat foods for low-fat foods reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. Five servings a day of fruit and vegetables are recommended, and two to four servings of low-fat dairy products for calcium. For salad dressings and cooking, vegetable oils such as cold pressed rape seed oil (canola oil), olive oil and thistle oils are healthy recommendations. Grain products such as bread, porridges, and brown rice give energy, as well as minerals, and vitamins. Between meal snacks consist of healthy fruits and vegetables. Not only do people spend more time cooking their meals, they spend more time eating - chewing slowly, savoring the flavors.

Shopping for food and taking the time to prepare a good meal to share with friends and family is a means to creative cookery and relaxation. Preparing a good meal is an art, sharing that creation is a pleasure and trying new recipes and creating new foods is a challenge.

It is important to start the day, whether early or late, with an enjoyable meal. Now that the rush to get up, get ready and rush to work is over, the retired generation can take time to start the day at leisure.  Who does the washing up, you might ask? Well, you can do that together, too.