Waterford businesses make it their business to become more Age Friendly
Currently there are over 1 million older people (65+) living and shopping in Ireland, with this number set to increase by 50% by 2051.
With older people accounting for 50% of consumer spending, Waterford Age Friendly Alliance, in association with Waterford and Dungarvan Chambers of Commerce is preparing an Age Friendly Business Recognition Charter programme. The programme is designed to assist local businesses adopt an inclusive retail strategy to ensure their customers’ experience is pleasant and comfortable.
According to Kevin Moynihan, Waterford Age Friendly Programme Manager with Waterford City and County Council, the Charter clearly identifies the businesses that not only value to custom of older customers, but are working to create an inclusive and enjoyable consumer experience.
To become certified as an Age Friendly Business, Kevin outlines the steps involved for any business that is interested in partaking in the programme.
“Firstly, each business should nominate a staff member to act as a champion for age-friendliness. That ‘champion’ will then participate in the Age Friendly Business online workshops to develop ideas and a roadmap to becoming more equitable and inclusive. Collaboration with older customers is also paramount to find out what they want, what can be improved and how the business can become a more welcoming environment for them.”
Once these actions are implemented, the business will receive its Age Friendly Business Charter.
If you are interested in participating and helping to make Waterford a great place to live and grow older in, an Age Friendly Business Workshop takes place via Zoom at 10am, Thursday, October 28th.
To receive a link to the workshop, email kmoynihan@waterfordcouncil.ie or to find out more about the Age Friendly Initiative visit www.agefriendlyireland.ie
