Age Friendly Business Certification
Launching in 2025, Tompkins County Office for the Aging's Business Certification aims to recognize and celebrate local businesses and organizations that have taken steps to improve the experience of customers and employees of all ages.
What is Age Friendly?
The term "age friendly" refers to an organization, activity, or design that has been intentional in being inclusive of participants across their lifespan. Other terms that are often used and can be a part of age friendly design include child-friendly, family-friendly, age-inclusive, and senior-friendly. All of these terms focus on a unique subpopulation, but by using the term age friendly, we want to support community members of all ages.
While the Tompkins County Office for the Aging's focus is on the lifestyle and livelihood of older adults, we recognize that designing for older adults can benefit younger populations. We also recognize that designing with intent around families and youth can also benefit older adults, as they may be using the same infrastructure or be supporting someone who might use it.
What Makes a Business Age Friendly?
Age friendly businesses and organizations are those that provide specific amenities, such as fully accessible bathrooms and well-trained customer service, to better the experience of customers of all ages. They also take specific measures to improve employee experiences, such as flexible work schedules and older employee recognition and retention programs.
Just as there is not only one type of older adult, there is not only one way to be age friendly. As such, there are multiple avenues one can take to design and adapt to promote age friendly practices in one's business or organization. It is important to consider not just physical design, such as seating and infrastructure, but also graphic design of promotional materials, and the social interactions of everyday operations.
Are Age Friendly businesses only for older adults and families?
No, age friendly businesses intend to serve individuals across the age spectrum! Age friendly does not necessarily refer to the type of business the organization conducts, but rather how they support their customers and employees.
What do businesses receive after being certified?
Businesses will receive
- A frameable certificate displaying the business' dedication to Age Friendly accessibility.
- A door and window sticker displaying the business' certification achievement.
- Recognition and featured on COFA's official website.
- Flyers which include information about COFA's Age Friendly Business mission.
- (Coming Soon) Age Friendly Business Certified Google Maps listing
What are the age friendly businesses here in Tompkins County?
[Map to be Implemented]
Certification Duration and Recertification Process
Age Friendly Business Certification Form
To submit your form, click here. Or send an email to cofa@tompkins-co.org with the subject Age Friendly Business Certification and your completed certification form attached.