AARP DC Promotes Age-Friendly Business Initiative

Washington, DC follows the World Health Organization initiative to transform the District into an easier city for growing older. That's why AARP DC is actively working with the Age-Friendly Business Initiative. This effort brings together business and non-profits in partnership with the Washington DC Economic Partnership to recruit and invite businesses to apply for the designation of being recognized as an “Age-Friendly Business.” So far, the Economic Partnership has recognized 32 District businesses whose products, services, and practices help make the city welcoming to older customers.

Recently, AARP DC Executive Council member Ron Swanda was interviewed on the show "Washington Full Circle" hosted by Furman Patterson. The interview took place at DC Offices of Cable Television and focused on the Age-Friendly Business Initiative as a part of the overall Age-Friendly DC work. Swanda is a member of the Mayor's Age-Friendly Task Force. Also interviewed were Mario Acosta-Valez, chair of the Age-Friendly DC Business Initiative and director of Verizon State Government Affairs and Gail Kohn, Age-Friendly DC coordinator.

DC residents 50+ have been urged to nominate businesses where they shop, local ones in particular, that demonstrate Age-Friendly business practices that include:

• An accessible, comfortable physical facility
• Friendly customer service
• Products and services of interest to all ages, including those 50+
• Easily accessed information about the business and its products

For more information on Age-Friendly DC and the Age-Friendly Business Initiative, go to:  http://agefriendly.dc.gov