Oneida County Makes Businesses More Age Friendly

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced Oneida County’s Age-Friendly Business initiative that will encourage local businesses to employ practices to accommodate the needs of seniors.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to making Oneida County an Age-Friendly Community,” Picente said. “This latest initiative continues on that promise by ensuring our local businesses are accommodating the needs of our seniors. This is a great opportunity for the business community to come together and show its dedication to our elder population that has been valuable customers for so many years.”

In order to receive the Age-Friendly Business distinction, a business would strive to achieve certain benchmark requirements, such as:

• Accessibility for those with disabilities
• Seating for individuals to rest
• Senior discounts
• Assistance with carry-out purchases
• Large print on materials and signage
• Prompt addressing of concerns raised by seniors

Oneida County is partnering with 50 Forward Mohawk Valley on the initiative and the organization is taking applications from interested businesses. Age-Friendly volunteers from 50 Forward will work with applicants to evaluate their qualifications and assist them in meeting the requirements for the Age-Friendly Business distinction.

“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 practices to create accommodating and accessible spaces for older adults and individuals with limited mobility,” said Kelly Walters, Executive Director of 50 Forward Mohawk Valley. “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 Age-Friendly Business initiative is the next phase of Oneida County’s Livable Community initiative, which promotes age-friendly practices in all facets of the county. Oneida County received its Age-Friendly designation from AARP in 2016 and the County Board of Legislators adopted an Age-Friendly resolution in May 2022 as an ongoing effort to promote a livable community for persons of all ages with particular emphasis on the needs of older Oneida County residents.

The steering committee, its many partners and older adults created an Age-Friendly action plan in 2021 which documented gaps and recommendations for improvement in all eight domains of livability. The steering committee ensures the recommendations of the plan are carried out through workgroups comprised of members from the Oneida County Departments of Family and Community Services, Health and Mental Health; key community partners and older adults who meet on a regular basis to plan and implement many of the recommendations in the Livable Community Action Plan.

Businesses interested in becoming an Age-Friendly Business, and those who would like to volunteer as business ambassadors, should contact Kelly Walters at 50 Forward Mohawk Valley at 315-223-3973.

Scan the QR code below to assess your business now.