An age-friendly business is a business that has made no cost or low cost changes to accommodate older customers. Examples of accommodations include:
- Wide and clutter free aisles
- Large print signs
- Accessible washrooms
- Respectful staff
- Good lighting
Why should you make your business age-friendly?
Older adults tend to be loyal customers. They have purchasing power and the time to shop. The population of seniors over the age of 65 living in Kawartha Lakes is much higher than the provincial average. Businesses that are welcoming and comfortable for older adults will also be more comfortable for all customers including parents with children in strollers, expectant mothers, people with injuries, disabilities, or other limitations.
Accessibility is good for business
In Ontario, there are 1.65 million people with disabilities. That means that one in seven people live with a disability. Predictions are that an aging population will raise that number to one in five by 2036, accounting for 40% of all income in the province.
Businesses that understand how to serve people with disabilities may attract more customers, build customer loyalty and improve their services for everyone.
With the aging population, consumers are increasingly represented by the disability community and businesses need to market to, and develop products for people with disabilities in order to compete and succeed.
Beyond being good for business, improving services for people with disabilities is simply the right thing to do.
Accessibility resources and tools
Tools
Resources
Visit our accessibility page for a full list of resources.
Contact Us