Ontario Launches Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide
August 20, 2013 11:55 a.m.
Seniors' Secretariat
Ontario is helping municipalities address the needs of an aging population and ensure that seniors are able to continue contributing to all aspects of community life through a new guide.
The Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide provides information to municipalities on the development, implementation and evaluation of plans for senior-friendly communities that are socially and physically accessible.
Already across Ontario, municipalities are taking important steps toward creating age-friendly communities by addressing high curbs, engaging in outreach to socially isolated seniors, and improving walkability and accessibility of retail centres. Age-friendly communities are part of Ontario's Action Plan for Seniors to make it easier for seniors to stay healthy, active and engaged in community life by helping them live safely, independently and with dignity.
Quick Facts
•By the year 2036, Ontario’s senior population will more than double to 4.2 million.
•Age-friendly communities are part of Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors, released in January 2013.
•By 2017, for the first time, Ontario will be home to more people over 65 than children under 15.
•The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat developed the Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide in collaboration with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario and the Universities of Waterloo and McMaster, along with an advisory group including municipal and community partners.
Quotes
“Ontario has a plan to address the needs of our aging population. Together with our community partners, seniors and their families, we are creating and sustaining supportive environments that help Ontario seniors live active, safe and meaningful lives.”
Mario Sergio
Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs
“The City of Ottawa is a recognized member of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities and we are currently implementing our Older Adult Plan. This provincial guide respects the fact that there is no one right way – every community is different and unique – it offers flexible community assessment tools and other strategies that can be tailored and adapted to local circumstances.”
Jim Watson
Mayor, City of Ottawa
Media Contacts
Celeste Bottero
Minister’s Office
416-326-1689
Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010