Tompkins County launches ‘Age-Friendly Business’ certification program
Published on November 21, 2025
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) is proud to announce the official launch of its “Age-Friendly Business” certification program, a new initiative designed to collaborate with local businesses and organizations, recognize their efforts to create inclusive environments for people of all ages, and help make Tompkins County a stronger, more age-friendly community.
“Age-friendly,” in this context, refers to businesses and organizations that take intentional steps to ensure their services, spaces, employee practices, and customer interactions are inclusive across the lifespan — from younger patrons to older adults.
“We are delighted to mark the launch of this certification program,” said Lisa Monroe, Director of Tompkins County Office for the Aging. “The vibrancy of our economy and the strength of our community depend on welcoming people of all ages, whether our customers, our employees, or our neighbors. By recognizing businesses that commit to age-friendly practices, we are helping to build a county where everyone can feel supported, engaged, and valued.”
Why this matters
As the population continues to age and as households become more multigenerational, it is important for businesses to think not only about accessibility in physical design, but also about how their service practices, communication materials, employee roles, and everyday experiences reflect inclusivity. By designing environments that support older adults — whether via seating, clearer signage and print, friendly staff training, flexible scheduling for older employees, or accessible facilities — businesses also tend to serve younger people and families more effectively.
Already-certified businesses
COFA is pleased to highlight the first ten local businesses and organizations that have achieved certification status: Cayuga Health at Ithaca Mall, Finger Lakes Library System, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Ithaca ReUse Center, Landmarks Building, ReUse MegaCenter, Sciencenter, Sew Green Ithaca, State of the Art Gallery, and Tompkins County Public Library. Businesses included in this initial cohort span retail, reuse/repurposing, arts/culture, health and human services, contractors, and housing — reinforcing that age-friendly design is relevant across sectors. In a short video interview, Katrina Morse, a member of the State of the Art Gallery, discusses what their gallery has done to become age-friendly and why it was important to them.
COFA’s Age-Friendly Business certification includes a frameable certificate and window/door decal for certified businesses, recognition on the COFA website, and materials to help businesses communicate their commitment to age-friendly practices.
Academic-public partnership
This certification program also benefited from the creativity and energy of Cornell University students. Various student teams developed a program logo, authored a planning guide book (including research, best practices, and local insights for businesses seeking to become more age-friendly), and produced a short video on the age-friendly business concept to raise awareness and support outreach.
“It’s been amazing to work with such a wide range of local businesses and organizations, from small shops to healthcare providers here in Ithaca. Partnering with Tompkins County’s Office for the Aging has been such a fulfilling journey as we helped bring this program to life. By embracing age-friendly principles in business practices, we can create spaces where people of all ages can feel welcomed, supported, and better served in their daily lives.”
— Jiayi Guo (Undergraduate Student 2025, Department of Human Centered Design); Emma Chase (M.P.S. 2025, Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science); Rachel Chiang (M.H.A. 2026, Sloan Program of Health Administration, Brooks School of Public Policy); Della Alderson (M.U.R.P. 2026)
A full listing of students who participated in the development of this program can be found on the COFA website.
How to get certified
Local businesses and organizations interested in applying for certification can access the program details and certification form via the COFA website. The certification form (PDF) is available in both general business and healthcare business versions. Once submitted via email to cofa@tompkins-co.org with the subject line “Age-friendly business certification,” the review process will begin.
COFA encourages businesses of all sizes, sectors, and types throughout Tompkins County to participate. Whether you’re a storefront, service provider, non-profit, or employer — embracing age-friendly practices strengthens our community and economy and sets a benchmark for inclusive, sustainable business.
About the Tompkins County Office for the Aging
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging serves as the local entry point for aging services and provides objective and unbiased information regarding the array of services available for older adults and their caregivers. Established in 1975, our mission is to assist older adults and persons with long-term care needs to live independently in their homes and communities with quality of life and dignity.