Do your advertising and outreach strategies depict age-inclusivity and maximize the opportunity for older customers to be represented by your business/organization?

Adults over 55 make up the largest growing demographic in our region. Serving such a large sector of our community well is good for business and good for our community.

How does your business/organization train or prepare staff to be culturally inclusive and accommodating to people of all abilities? Does your business/organization directly address issues surrounding ageism or other forms of discrimination (i.e., through policies, training or practices)?

Ageism is stereotyping and discrimination on the basis of a person’s age. It is when someone assumes that we are “too old” for something – a task, a product, a haircut, a relationship – instead of finding out who we are and what we’re capable of.

Explain how the physical environment of your business/organization accommodates customers of all abilities and describe your capacity for flexibility in the future. If your business/organization does not have a physical space, you may skip this question.

Address both interior and exterior access issues. 

Do acoustics and visibility accommodate a wide range of abilities? If your business/organization does not have a physical space, you may skip this question.

Are there options for individuals to receive assistance, avoid noise, or access better lighting? Does signage use universal terms, language, and symbols? Does signage promote customer independence and is it obvious and easy to find? Is there an assistance option for those who need translation or other direction?

Explain how your business/organization's informational materials (e.g.,  brochures, menus) are accessible to those of all abilities by detailing the design layout and materials’ content.

Do the design, font size, and color choice make your materials simple to read through? Provide any additional relevant information about your print materials.

Explain your current website (if you have one) and its approach to reaching and serving people of all ages. 

Does it have zoom capabilities? Is the font chosen for visual clarity? Is it easy to navigate? Can someone reach your business by phone or email, and is it clear how to do so? Are accessibility issues addressed (e.g., are all images tagged with text; do you include images of people of all ages and abilities?)?