Making the case for New York City’s age-friendly local business initiative

Over the last few years, the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has seen how store layout and indifferent service can make older New Yorkers feel marginalized and discourage them from shopping independently. Given the projected growth of the older consumer base, businesses need to engage with this population in order to remain competitive. Recognizing this, the Age-Friendly New York City Commission created the Age-Friendly Local Business Initiative (AFLBI) to help businesses address the needs of older New Yorkers. NYAM requested a Capstone team to help make the business case for joining the AFLBI. The team created a survey tool, then conducted surveys, focus groups, and key stakeholder interviews—including with local businesses—to explore the shopping habits of the aging population of New York City. Data collection took place in a variety of settings, including neighborhood events, public libraries, and senior centers. Analyzing the collected data, the team developed a fact sheet for small business owners outlining the business case for meeting the needs of seniors.