Oneida County rolls out age-friendly business designation

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County is partnering with 50 Forward Mohawk Valley on an age-friendly business initiative to encourage local businesses to employ practices that accommodate the needs of seniors.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to making Oneida County an age-friendly community,” County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said in a press statement. “This initiative continues on that promise by ensuring our local businesses are accommodating the needs of our seniors.”

To receive the age-friendly business designation, businesses must meet certain benchmarks including accessibility for those with disabilities, seating for individuals to rest, senior discounts, assistance carrying out purchases, large print on materials and signage, and promptly addressing concerns raised by seniors.

Age-friendly volunteers from 50 Forward will work with applicants for the designation to evaluate their qualifications and assist them with meeting the requirements.

“We are excited to be a partner in the Livable Communities of Oneida County Age-Friendly Business initiative, which is to both educate and promote businesses that demonstrate age-friendly business practices to create accommodating and accessible spaces for older adults and individuals with limited mobility,” 50 Forward Executive Director Kelly Walters said. “This initiative will need volunteer “business ambassadors” to help businesses complete the survey assessment, and 50 Forward is recruiting people to visit local businesses and help them complete the survey assessments.”

The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCBusinessSurvey.