In October 2020, the City of San Mateo pledged to become an Age-Friendly City by joining AARP's Age-Friendly Community Network. As part of its Action Plan to enhance age-friendliness, the city created the Age-Friendly Business Certification Program. This program aims to recognize and promote San Mateo businesses and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of older adults.

Goals of the Program:

• Educate businesses on how to make their physical environment and customer service more inclusive for older adults
• Promote a culture where older adults feel comfortable in their environment to be independent for as long as possible
• Foster an age-friendly environment where businesses thrive supporting a larger, older adult customer base, recognizing older adults as a significant and expanding customer base

Benefits of Participation:

• Recognition showing the business's commitment to older adults in San Mateo and making their business age-friendly
• Potential increase in customer base and repeat customers
• Window decal certifying the business is age-friendly
• A place in a directory of age-friendly businesses on the city's website
• Social media promotions and other marketing opportunities with the Chamber of Commerce and San Mateo Downtown Association