Benchmark Senior Living, Springpoint Senior Living and Lasell Village, a Newton, MA, continuing care retirement community on the campus of Lasell University, are among the employers recently added to the Waltham, MA-based Certified Age-Friendly Employer program.

CAFE, which began in 2006 as part of retirementjobs.com, was developed by a team of analysts and professionals with specializations in compensation, benefits and human resources and began establishing best practices for age-friendly employers.

Certified employers, according to CAFE, are those who: 

  • Value employees based on proficiency, qualifications and contribution;
  • Maintain policies, practices and programs supporting people aged 50 or more years;
  • Value employee knowledge, maturity, reliability and productivity; and
  • Commit to meaningful employment, development opportunities and competitive pay and benefits for employees aged 50 or more years.

The Age-Friendly Institute announced Thursday the addition of 50 employers to the program. The recent additions include organizations from all major sectors of the economy, including the public sector. Waltham, MA-based Benchmark Senior Living, Lasell Village and Wall Township, NJ-based Springpoint Senior Living are among the organizations added within the past 12 months, according to the institute. Sodexo also joined the program during that time, according to the program.

“This is a win-win-win situation. It helps older adults, employers and government leaders seeking to grow their tax base,” Age Friendly Institute President Tim Driver said in a statement. “Older adults stay healthy by staying engaged. They add to, and subtract less from, their nest eggs.  Employers expand their diversity efforts, acquire and keep valuable talent.  Economies expand because there are more people in the workforce contributing to productivity.”

The Age Friendly Institute certified Springpoint in February.

“The CAFE certification reflects Springpoint’s commitment to combat ageism and ensure our management policies, recruitment efforts, and training standards are age friendly and non-exclusionary,” Springpoint President and CEO Anthony A. Argondizza said in a press release. “We will continue to foster a culture that respects the unique qualities, life experiences, and wisdom of each individual.”

See the whole list of CAFE companies, including additional senior housing and care providers such as 2Life Communities, Aegis Living and Brio Living Services, at the CAFE website.