Age-Friendly Communities: Creating a Culture of Exchange in Ontario Sarah Webster October, 2016 Funded by the Government of Ontario

Agenda Definition of an age-friendly community Eight domains of an age-friendly community How Ontario communities are becoming more age-friendly

Age-Friendly City/Community “An age-friendly city is a city that encourages active ageing by optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” 3

8 Features of an Age-Friendly Community 1.Outdoor Spaces & Public Buildings 2.Public Transportation 3.Housing 4.Social Participation 5.Respect & Social Inclusion 6.Civic Participation & Employment 7.Communication & Information 8.Community Support & Health Services 4 Physical Environment Personal Well-Being Social Environment

What is Happening in Ontario? Creation and publication of “Finding the Right Fit” Age- Friendly Community Planning Guide 56 Age-Friendly Community Planning Grants to: – Define age-friendly principles – Consult citizens to understand local strengths and needs – Develop action plans – Implement and evaluate age-friendly activities Age-Friendly Community Planning Outreach Initiative – Increasing awareness, – Increasing connectivity, – Increasing capacity

Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings By Pentax K-r, Public Domain,

Outdoor Space and Public Buildings StopGap Ramp Program 24 communities across Ontario and Canada Portable ramps to make local businesses accessible Benches, Signage, and Trail Wayfinding London Installed over 45 benches and directional signage to make it easier to navigate parks and trails By Desiree Walsh, 7

Transportation By Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine - Own work, Public Domain,

Transportation Community Transportation Hub/Rideshare Haliburton Community Transportation Hub: matching ride seekers with available transportation options that meet various criteria (age, reason for travel, location, etc.) Rideshare: encouraging community members to pick up neighbours traveling to and from similar points EasyRide Perth Door-to-door transportation service with the goal of helping older adults maintain their independence Image Source: 9

Housing By CDC/Dawn Arlotta acquired from Public Health Image Library (Website),

Housing Halton HomeShare Program Halton (Burlington Pilot) Goal: to match home-seekers with home-providers and provide the option for older adults to age at home and maintain independence while offering affordable housing options for home-seekers Snow Angels Guelph Volunteer snow removal service for eligible seniors and individuals with physical disabilities Offered by the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington in partnership with the City of Guelph

Social Participation Image Source:

Social Participation Intergenerational Autobiography Writing Project Brantford 16 week program run in partnership with Laurier-Brantford University 4 th /5 th year writing students paired with community retirees Now part of regular curriculum French Connects Burlington Huntsville students paired with French-speaking seniors in Burlington for regular Skype conversations to improve French language skills

Respect and Social Inclusion

Age-Friendly Business Strategies 12+ Communities in Ontario Goal: to provide information to older adults and service providers on how to ensure businesses consider the needs of the older adult population and create a barrier-free environment Blue Umbrella Program Bobcaygeon, Kawartha Lakes, Whitby, Brockville Training local businesses on how to interact with individuals with dementia

Civic Participation and Employment By CDC/Dawn Arlotta acquired from Public Health Image Library (Website),

Civic Participation and Employment Over 55 London Mission: to help those 55+ enhance their quality of life through income opportunities and through assisting seniors to stay in their homes longer Services include: handyman, personal assistance, homemaking/housekeeping, professional assistance Image Source: 17

Communication and Information By Stux, CCO Public Domain,

Communication and Information Seniors Column Brantford Partnership with Brant News to have a regular column “Focus on Seniors” featuring topics relevant to older adults Senior Connector Program Burlington Local services train senior volunteers who then set up booths in public spaces to share information and answer questions from their peers

Community Support and Health Services By Rhoda Baer acquired from National Cancer Institute (Website),

Community Support and Health Services Perth Enrichment Program for Older Adults Tay Valley “A program of care, direction and therapy which focuses on helping older Ontarians to stay healthy and stay at home longer” ( 3 programs: Older Adult Day Program, Breath Well Live Well Program, Community Exercise Programs ElderTALK Project Halton 12 week program made up of weekly 2-hour facilitated sessions with the goal of promoting mental wellness and connecting older adults to each other and to community resources

Thank you! Sarah Webster – – Provincial distribution list: Provincial website: