More than 1 in 5 Concord residents is over the age of 65, and this number is growing. Older adults are active, engaged, and eager to support local businesses—but only if they can get in the door, hear the conversation, and aren't worried about finding a comfortable restroom.  

Age-Friendly is a world-wide movement to make communities, services, and environments more inclusive, accesssible, and supportive for people of all ages—especially older adults. It recognizes that as populations age, communities must adapt to ensure older people can continue to live safely, comfortably, and with dignity. It supports universal design, social inclusion, and age-aware policies so people of all ages and abilities can live, work, and participate fully in civic and economic life.  

Key Principles of the Age-Friendly Movement

• Accessible design – safe, barrier-free public and private spaces, including housing, businesses, and transportation
• Social inclusion – reducing isolation and ensuring older adults are engaged in civic, cultural, and social life
• Economic participation – enabling older adults to work, volunteer, shop, and support local economies
• Health and well-being – supporting physical and mental health, including dementia-friendly environments
• Intergenerational connection – fostering mutual respect and understanding across age groups

Why Age-Friendly Matters for Concord Businesses

• 22% of Concord’s population is 65+ (and 40% of residents will be 60+ by 2040)
• 58% of consumer spending in Massachusetts comes from households age 50+
• Older adults shop local and stay loyal— our survey showed 67% shop local weekly, 13% shop daily
• Accessibility is essential —steps, lighting, noise, and restrooms matter
• Customer experience counts—staff attentiveness makes or breaks a visit
• Inclusion boosts business—if people don’t feel welcome, they will shop elsewhere

What Is an Age-Friendly Business?

An Age-Friendly Business adopts impactful practices that make it easier and more comfortable for older adults—and people with disabilities, mobility limitations, and dementia—to safely and confidently shop, dine, and access services.

These practices might include:

• Step-free entry, or clear signage for accessible entrances
• Railings, ramps, or wider aisles
• Clearly marked, easy-to-find restrooms
• Better lighting and quieter environments
• Staff trained to be helpful, patient, and aware
• Seating options, especially at non-restaurants
• Delivery services or flexible hours
• Discounts for seniors
• Marketing that recognizes older adults as customers
• Employing older people and offering flexible schedules that meets the needs of caretakers

What You Can Do

Concord, in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and with funding from the Massachusetts Community Compact Cabinet Best Practices Program, developed a toolkit of strategies and best practices tailored to Concord’s unique business districts.

Age-Friendly Business Best Practices Slideshow (PDF)

Age-Friendly Business Self-Checklist (PDF)

Survey Results: What Concord’s Seniors Want (PDF)