In 2022, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Direction Home Akron Canton joined forces to advance the County and City’s Age-Friendly initiative, a global effort to make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. 

AARP estimates by 2040 one in every five people in the United States will be 65 or older. Both communities embraced being age-friendly as a means of ensuring the City and County are doing all they can to help this growing population of older adults thrive. The partnership with BBB is just one example of work ongoing in Akron and Summit County. To learn about Akron Summit Age-Friendly, visit https://co.summitoh.net/AgeFriendly.

This program provides BBB Accredited businesses and organizations with the opportunity to be recognized as an age-friendly business, affirming their organization met a set of criteria designed to provide quality and accessible services to older adults. Why is becoming an age-friendly business a benefit for both organizations and the community?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older adults (aged 65+) make up roughly 19% of the population across our six-county service area.

• Summit County, 18.9%
• Ashland County, 19.5%
• Medina County, 19.1%
• Portage County, 17.7%
• Richland County, 20%
• Wayne County, 18.7%

With a growing population of our 65+ community members, Forbes.com outlines 5 key ways this has and will continue to change business opportunities.

1. Retirement. Retired adults continue to need goods and services. While some retired adults have more disposable income, many are on a fixed income. They will prioritize businesses that have inspired loyalty or migrate toward businesses that are thinking proactively about how to best meet their needs.
2. Loyalty. Older adult are more likely to spend their money on brands they trust, instead of looking for the next "new" thing.
3. Industry. Older adults are changing multiple industries. As the population ages, more emphasis on healthcare, housing and wellness are a priority. 
4. Family. Adult children are often primary caregivers or heavily involved in the care of aging parents and grandparents. Catering to their parents' needs benefits them and informs their choices in marketplace transactions.
5. Technology. Assistive technology has seen many advances, making them more durable and portable. However, many assisted devices do require accomodations that must be met in order to best serve older adults. 

Businesses and other organizations have the opportunity to evaluate how their products and services meet the needs of the 65+ population.