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Peterborough Council on Aging
Discussion paper series – #1, 2015
Creating an Age-friendly Community
The makeup of our communities is undergoing a fundamental shift as members
of the baby boomer generation mature into older age. By 2050 it’s estimated
that over 1 in 5 people around the world will be 60 years of age or older (1).
Canada is no exception. By 2036, 35% of
the Canadian population will be over the
age of 55 (2). By 2016, and for the first time
ever, Ontarians over the age of 65 will
account for a larger share of the
population than children under 14 (3).
Individuals and organizations in
communities across Ontario are
working together to create age-friendly
communities.
The numbers aren’t the only thing that’s
– Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat
changing. Older adults today are living
longer and healthier lives than ever before,
and are staying active well into older age. Though today’s older adults are living longer than those in
generations past, the majority are living with at least one chronic health condition (4).
These changes have profound implications for the way we organize our communities. As our population ages,
the structures and services in our communities need to be adapted to ensure that older adults can enjoy
healthy and active lives. Accessible physical environments, robust social networks, and responsive community
services among other things, can all help to support an aging population.
Fast Fact
To date, 210 communities from
26 countries have achieved
age-friendly designation by the
World Health Organization (WHO).
Creating age-friendly communities is considered
one of the most effective policy responses to
support an aging population. Age-friendly
communities recognize older adults as an asset,
and provide programs and services that enable
everyone, from the very young to the very old, to
enjoy a good quality of life.
The movement to create age-friendly communities is global and growing. To date, 210 communities from 26
countries have achieved age-friendly designation by the World Health Organization (5). Back at home, this
work is being championed at the provincial level by the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat.
Creating an Age-friendly Community
Here in Peterborough our journey to become an age-friendly community is just beginning. With
approximately 20% of our population already over the age of 65, this is timely work.
In 2014, The Peterborough Council on Aging (PCOA) began
work to create an Age-friendly Plan for the Peterborough
region. Following a process developed by the WHO, and
used by communities all over the world, the PCOA will
seek input from older adults, caregivers, and other
community members to determine what we are doing
well and what we could be doing better to support our
aging population.
Peterborough’s Age-friendly Plan will be built around eight
theme areas that directly impact the quality of life of older
adults: transportation, housing, outdoor spaces and
buildings, community support and health services, civic
participation and employment, communication and
information, social participation, and respect and social
inclusion. The Plan will identify strategies to support active
and healthy aging in each of these eight areas.
With input and support from residents and community
partners, together we can help make the Peterborough
region an Age-friendly community.
Transportation
Housing
Outdoor Spaces and
Buildings
Community Support
and Health Serv ices
Civ ic Participation
and Employment
Communication and
Information
References:
(1)
World Health Organization, 2007.
Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide.
(2)
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2012. Housing for
Older Canadians: The Definitive Guide to the Over-55 Market.
(3)
Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat, 2011. Age-friendly Community
Planning Guide.
(4)
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, 2012. Living
Longer, Living Well: Ontario’s Seniors’ Strategy.
(5)
World Health Organization, 2014. [Age-friendly World]
Contact:
Sarah Cullingham
Age-friendly Coordinator
scullingham@peterborough.ca
www.peterboroughcouncilonaging.ca
Social Participation
Respect and Social
Inclusion