Going Grey in Mississauga Evaluating the Older Adult Plan using Quality of Life as a Measure of Success

Aging Populations Globally, in 2006 the number of persons aged 60 and older was 650 million. In 2025, the number will be 1.2 billion, or almost double. In 2001, one Canadian in eight was aged 65 years or over. By 2026, one Canadian in five will have reached age 65.

Mississauga The proportion of Mississauga’s population 55 years of age and over will increase from approximately 20% today to 38% by By 2031, Mississauga will have 300,000 residents 55 years of age or older.

Older Adult Plan Visioning Statement: “As an age friendly city, older adults in Mississauga will lead purposeful and active lives, will live in their community with dignity, integrity and independence, and will experience a diverse range of lifestyle opportunities to pursue their personal interests.”

Research Questions and Objectives What is the current Quality of Life for seniors in Mississauga? How will the Older Adult Plan change or complement this? How can this be measured for current and future evaluations to determine if the Plan is successful?

Quality of Life Definition “Satisfaction with built surroundings, access to desired people and services, and ability to carry out necessary and enjoyable daily activities.”

Quality of Life Indicators Safety Confidence and Ability Social Involvement Transportation Neighbourhood

Quality of Life Survey South Common Community Centre Mississauga Senior Centre Square One Older Adult Centre Port Credit Library Malton Library Total: 42 Completed Questionnaires and informal discussions with approximately 100 seniors

Analysis

Age of Respondents by Category

Primary Mode of Transportation

Dwelling Types of Respondents

Themes Positive overall experience as an older adult in Mississauga Programming meets needs Cars are key and traffic is getting worse Snow removal is problematic Being an older adult pedestrian is difficult

Satisfaction as an Older Adult in Mississauga “Plenty of green space with walking trails. Lake Ontario on our doorstep. Well run council and outstanding mayor. General adult centres offering great variety of affordable programs.” “I have lived in many places over the world, and there must be a reason why I always come back to Malton. I have lived in different cities in the GTA and I think Mississauga is the best of them.” “A-1 first class, perhaps because our mayor is one of ‘us’.”

Themes Satisfaction as an older adult in Mississauga Programming meets needs Cars are key and traffic is getting worse Snow removal is problematic Being an older adult pedestrian is difficult

Pleased with Programming “I love to see the seniors here at the centre. It makes me feel good to get older, and I am happy that Mississauga made this for me.” “I like to do more but cost and money is a problem. [I can do it] if I just pick one thing I can afford.” “I am very satisfied with activities but feel my ability to take advantage of these activities would be hindered if I have to travel by transit”

Themes Satisfaction as an older adult in Mississauga Programming meets needs Cars are key Snow removal is problematic Being an older adult pedestrian is difficult

Cars are Key “The most notable is that a car is necessary here and since I rely on others to drive me it is hard to do the things I want. I think there should be shuttle buses for seniors to malls and other common places.” “The problem is cars versus older adult pedestrians. Cars win hands down and this is only to increase. Enforcement and education of car drivers.” “The worst [feature] is that you have to have a car here.”

Themes Satisfaction as an older adult in Mississauga Programming meets needs Cars are key and traffic is getting worse Snow removal is problematic Being an older adult pedestrian is difficult

Snow Removal is Problematic “Snow removal is very bad here. It makes the sidewalks dangerous and the city needs to do something. I sometimes want to go to the bank or down to the library but I wait another day to see if the sidewalks get better.” “My concern is in winter after I get the drive cleared by my helper. The next time the snow plough passes it gets big chunks of ice and snow at the bottom so it is hard to back out!”

Themes Satisfaction as an older adult in Mississauga Programming meets needs Cars are key and traffic is getting worse Snow removal is problematic Being an older adult pedestrian is difficult

Difficulty as a Pedestrian “Many drivers go too fast. I don’t feel safe. They don’t look for pedestrians. Intersections are dangerous and I prefer to cross on the road instead because I don’t think they are good.” “Streets are too wide to cross safely. Sidewalks are on only one side of street in my neighbourhood which I don’t like. I used to live downtown Toronto and it was very pleasant to walk and I miss that a lot. I miss the benches and the rest spots too. I’m always scared at intersections here.”

Quality of Life Score Safety Confidence Social Involvement Transportation Neighbourhood B A A C A Overall Rating B

Older Adult Plan Can Help Guiding Principles align with needs and priorities Action Plans include remedies to common complaints Good example of consultation implementing policy

Recommendations Continue evaluating quality of life as a measure of success for the Older Adult Plan Organized Snow Removal Program and Creation of By-law Explore partnering with businesses to offer services that the city cannot

Going Grey in Mississauga Evaluating the Older Adult Plan using Quality of Life as a Measure of Success