EP73: 5 Tips for Becoming an Age-Friendly Business: Restaurants

<p>Are businesses in your city going the age-friendly path? If they are not, they make up the many companies worldwide that are missing out on this crucial initiative that supports and benefits senior consumers.</p> <p>In this episode, I provide essential yet often forgotten things that businesses should include in their spaces to accommodate the needs and ensure the continued patronage of older adults. It makes common sense that the more comfortable an establishment is for older people, it will also be comfortable for others.</p> <p>An age-friendly business means it's friendly for EVERYONE.<br /> -Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FGSA, FAAN</p> <p><strong>Key points covered in this episode:</strong></p> <p><strong>Tip #1: Readable Receipts.</strong> Normal aging causes presbyopia - which is farsightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye, occurring typically in middle and old age. With things opening back up in a post-COVID world, I can't tell you the number of people my own age who get their check, and they're like, "what does that say?! So we need a better process and format for receipts!</p> <p><strong>Tip #2: Adapt Service to Improve Hearing.</strong> My friends and I frequently go to The Wine House for wine tastings. Typically, the sommelier stands in the middle of the room and discusses the wines, but the people at the tables can't hear a word being said - and what happens when people can't hear you? They start talking to themselves, resulting in more chatter and background noise. In activities such as this, it is best to invest in a system with a microphone and use overhead speakers and ensure an excellent experience for your customers.</p> <p><strong>Tip #3: Increase and Contrast Menu Font.</strong> Use a white background with dark, bold lettering that's at least a 12 to 14 font size (at a minimum). If you can have an iPad or any type of device where people can magnify and make the font as big as they need it to be, it is advisable.</p> <p><strong>Tip #4: Use Technology to Improve A