Making your Business Age Friendly Bernie Bradley Monaghan County Council Ireland

Monaghan Barry Mc Guigan Tommy Bowe

Monaghan Sir Jack Leslie Crispy Duck

Monaghan Small Rural County in the border region. 12% of the population are over 65 60% left school before 14 40 % have a disability. 39% live alone

Barriers to Communication Sensory Changes Physical Changes Changes in Cognitive Function Emotional Changes

Physical Changes Sensory changes Emotional Changes Changes to Cognitive Function Physical Changes 10 million in the UK suffer with arthritis. 45% of people with Disability are over 65 Sensory changes 2 million have sight loss that effects their daily life. 70% over 70 have some form of hearing loss Visual Hearing Speech Reduced mobility Declining Dexterity Anxiety Fear Isolation Memory loss Abstract thinking Reasoning

How does your Business Fare?

Older People In Your Community Older households (65+) contributed about £61 billion a year to the UK economy in 2013/14. The total spending by households headed by someone aged 65+ was £145 billion (2013). 1997- 2013 numbers 70+ holding a licence increased from 38% to 62%. Older people own 75% of the wealth in the EU and account for 50% of consumer spending. 11 million over 65 in the UK 20 million by 2030 3.5 million live alone,49%of people 75live alone. 45% have a disability 4.2 million have never used the internet 41% feel out of touch with modern society

Age Friendly Business Programme There are more than 11 million older people living and shopping in the UK Are you doing everything you can to capture their business?

What did we do? We consulted with older people to find out the challenges they faced in relation to businesses.

What did we do? Produced a leaflet on local statistics relating to older people. Highlighted the benefits of Age Friendly to the business. Delivered a training workshop

What did we do? Asked businesses to identify three actions they would take to make their business age friendly. Presented each participating business with a framed Age Friendly Charter and stickers to display in their business. Promoted their business with local older peoples groups.

Age Friendly Business in Monaghan Seating in store ,especially in business where customers wait for services. Special services or supports for older customers ( Technical support/ writing a will). Smaller portions in meals and food for those living alone. Over 65 discounts on days where the business is less busy Hair/Beauty salons Spa/Hotel breaks Theatre/Cinema AIB bank technology assistant for banking. Offer assistance to everyone. Be mindful of the aging process and changes in communication skills. Use large, clear fonts for signage, printed materials, and websites. Moderate excessively loud music and noise in business premises. Speak clearly in low tones and repeat yourself if necessary. Don’t assume your business is not relevant to over 65’s

Becoming An Age Friendly Business. Identify a member of staff to act as a champion for Age friendliness. Attend the information seminar in your area Consult with your older customers Create a Commitment to Age Friendliness with your first three actions.

Why become an Age Friendly Business Older consumers will double in number in the next 30 years. Older people are loyal customers and outspend younger shoppers. Older customers have a lot of purchasing power, but also have the time to shop. 50% of all toys are bought by grandparents. Over 50’s take on average almost three trips a year in staying three nights away. Older people tell other people about good customer service and value.