Age-Friendly Halton
What is Age-Friendly?
Age-Friendly Cities and Communities encourage and promote active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. (World Health Organization)
Making both cities and rural communities age-friendly is an effective local policy approach for responding to population aging. The physical and social environments are key determinants of whether people can remain healthy, independent, and autonomous as they age. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly cities Guide (document) highlights eight domains that cities and communities can address to better adapt their structures and services to the needs of older people: the built environment, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication, and community support and health services.
The WHO has declared a Decade of Healthy Aging 2020-2030, endorsed by the United Nations. The four priority areas that will be addressed include:
- Ageism
- Build capacity for Age-Friendly communities by fostering the abilities of older people
- Deliver person-centred care with primary health services
- Provide access to Long Term Care for those who need it
Age-Friendly Communities Foster:
- Active aging
- Safety and security
- Independence
- Lifelong learning
- Community participation
- Inclusive neighbourhoods with a sense of belonging
- Respect for culture and diversity
- Intergenerational relationships
The Burlington Age-Friendly Council (BAFC) was established in 2012 and members of the Council include community volunteers and representation from community organizations that serve and support older adults in the City of Burlington.
Vision: Dedicated to making Burlington the best place to live, work and play as we age
Mission: Together with community, we are building an Age-Friendly Burlington by listening to concerns, advocating for change, and improving the quality of life for older adults and throughout the community
The Halton Age-Friendly Network (HAFN) was established in 2016 and evolved from the work of the BAFC. Members of the network include representation from all four municipalities across Halton: City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, and Town of Halton Hills. Members include residents and representatives from organizations and groups that serve and support older adults.
Vision: Dedicated to making Halton the best place to live, work, and play as we age.
Mission: Together with our communities, we are building an Age-Friendly Halton by listening to concerns, advocating for change and promoting healthy and active aging for people of all ages.
Learn more: Connections Among Generations | Stepping Up for Seniors | Senior Connector Program | Changing Lanes: Aging Well into Retirement | Resources
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