Project Overview

Over 3 years in the making, students from the Designing Age-Friendly Environments developed an accessible program through which local business in Tompkins County could apply to be certified as an 'age-friendly business'. Age-friendly means that the physical environment, services and content (like menus, signage and/or web interface) accommodate the special needs of older adults as well as families with young children. Tompkins County is a designated Age-Friendly center which aims to effectively serve the populations at either end of the age spectrum. The Age-Friendly Business Certification Program allows businesses to use a specially developed audit tool to assess their 'age-friendliness'; if enough criteria are met the business will be certified by the TC Office for Aging for a period of 3 years. Even if certified age-friendly, businesses are encouraged to consider other ways to improve their ability to serve the oldest and youngest populations. Certified businesses receive marketing materials that highlight their 'age-friendly' status. A diverse range of businesses can participate in the program including commercial/retail, service, hospitality, healthcare and institutional businesses.

Where and with whom?

Students worked with the Tompkins County Office for Aging (TCOFA), the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and numerous area businesses.

Project Outcomes

After 3 years of development the program is officially launching in September 2025 with the first cohort of certified businesses, and will be managed by TCOFA. Students from the course will continue to work with the Office for Aging to support the expansion and evaluation of the program.

Project Deliverables & Publications

The project yielded an Age-Friendly Business Audit Tool that businesses can use to self-assess their age-friendliness. Students also produced promotional documents to raise awareness about what it means to be Age-Friendly as well as a How-To Manual to support businesses pursuing certification. Students also produced recognition elements such as window decals, Google Map icons, and certificates, as well as systems and practice guidelines to help TCOFA launch and manage the program .