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Age Friendly Communities

“Global Age-Friendly Cities” is a project of the World Health Organization (WHO).  The WHO project focuses on cities because the majority of older adults live in cities. In Canada, many older adults live in rural and remote communities. Canada has developed a guide to assist rural and remote communities become more "age-friendly".
Age-friendly means that services, organizations, policies, and the social, cultural and physical environment of a community support older adults’ participation in their community. Public and commercial spaces, and the people who work in them, should meet the various needs of older adults.

Eight key features of an age-friendly community have been identified. These features (and some examples) are listed below:

Outdoor spaces and buildings

    1. Public spaces are clean and well-maintained during all seasons of the year

    2. Outdoor spaces are safe for walking with non-slip, level surfaces

    3. Older adults safety in outdoor spaces is promoted through good lighting, police patrols and community education

    4. Adequate seating is provided in outdoor spaces and buildings to allow a place to rest

    5. Buildings are accessible, with good signs, lighting, elevators and ramps

Transportation

    1. Public transportation is cost-effective, reliable and safe

    2. Public transportation is available in all areas of the community

    3. Vehicles are clean and well maintained

    4. Transportation personnel are aware of the needs of older adults and are helpful and courteous

    5. A variety of forms of accessible transportation are provided

    6. Designated parking and drop-off spaces are available

    7. Driver education and refresher education programs are available

Housing

    1. Housing that is safe, affordable and close to necessary services is available for those who need it

    2. A variety of housing choices is available for those who need assistance with daily living

    3. Services are available to assist with home and outdoor maintenance

    4. Home renovators and contractors are understand the needs of older adults

    5. Housing is well-constructed and accessible for older adults

Social Participation

    1. Sites where community events are held are safe, accessible, well-lit and easy to reach by public or other transportation

    2. Events are held at a time that is convenient for older adults

    3. Information about events is easy to find

    4. Outreach programs exist for older adults who have difficulty leaving their homes

Respect and Social Inclusion

    1. Older adults are fully included in all aspects of community life

    2. Events, policies and services that affect older adults are developed with their input

    3. Services and products recognize and meet the needs of older adults

    4. Service providers are respectful and helpful

    5. Community activities are provided in accessible settings

Civic Participation and Employment

    1. A variety of employment and volunteer opportunities are available that recognize the contributions and abilities of older adults

    2. Discrimination on the basis of age is prohibited in employment settings

    3. Workplaces are accessible to individuals with mobility, sensory or other needs

    4. Programs that assist with transition to retirement are available

Communication and Information

    1. Important community information is provided in a variety of ways that are accessible to older adults

    2. Print information is provided in a large font with good colour contrast

    3. Information is provided in a timely manner

    4. Low cost or free internet access is available in public locations

    5. Self-serve machines, like bank machines, should have large access buttons and good lighting.

Community and Health Services

    1. A variety of health and support services are available to promote, restore and maintain health

    2. Home care services are available and include support for homemaking and personal care

    3. Health care and social services are accessible and conveniently located

    4. Community emergency planning takes the needs of older adults into account

Four provinces in Canada have initiated Age-Friendly programs, including Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia. These programs are guided by two key documents: the WHO  Global Age-Friendly Cities Guide and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Age-Friendly Rural and Remote Initiative Guide, developed by Public Health Canada.

More information about these programs is available from:
Public Health Canada Age Friendly Rural and Remote Community Initiative http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/sh-sa/ifa-fiv/2008/initiative-eng.php

WHO Global Age friendly Cities website: http://www.who.int/ageing/age_friendly_cities_material/en/index.html