Supermarket chain store opens slower ‘chat checkouts’ to combat loneliness among the elderly In this fast-paced and digitized world, many older adults find it hard to keep up. As a result, they’re often left out or just prefer to stay on the sideline and be mere spectators. Loneliness is a big issue for seniors around the world as most of them live on their own or in retirement villages. One of the things they look forward to is grocery shopping, which they can’t do during busy periods for fear of holding up the line at the checkout counters. Most older people seek a less stressful and more enjoyable shopping experience. As much as possible, they want to shop in comfort and take advantage of the social interaction with other shoppers and store employees.