Last updated: 11/17/21

Age-friendly businesses in Boston

An age- and dementia-friendly business is one in which people of all ages and abilities can comfortably shop for goods or services.

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Certified businesses have taken steps to make their spaces more inclusive. These include:

ensuring that they have a respectful and patient staff
providing resting areas and non-slip flooring, and
using universal symbols, like arrows.

Become an age-friendly business

Have questions? Contact us:

Age Strong Commission
andrea.burns@boston.gov
617-635-4877
Businesses in Boston

We have a list of certified businesses in Boston. We'll continue to update this list as we add more businesses.

About the program

Program history

In 2014, the City joined the World Health Organization network of Age-Friendly cities through AARP.

We are creating policies, programs, and services for older adults. We want people to age within their communities with dignity and independence. One of our 75 action steps is the creation of an age-friendly and dementia-friendly business designation.

Goals of the business designation

We want to educate businesses on how to make their locations and customer service more inclusive.
We promote a culture where everyone is able to comfortably age in place and remain active in their community.
We plan to help businesses thrive with a large and diverse customer base. We want to give older adults access to many goods and services.

By the numbers

14% of Boston's population is over 60, and this will increase to 19% by 2030.
$148.3 billion in 2015 was spent on consumer goods and services by the 50 and older population in Massachusetts. This accounts for 57% of overall consumer spending.
16.5% of Boston residents 65 and older have Alzheimer's or dementia.