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Age Friendly Community Planning

AGING WELL IN K.L.

What is Age-Friendly?

The Age-Friendly Community Planning initiative is a joint effort by the Ministry of Seniors Affairs (MSA), the University of Waterloo, the Ontario Interdisciplinary Council on Aging and Health (OIACH) and the Seniors Health Knowledge Network (SHKN) to develop communities that will promote active and healthy aging. The idea is to accommodate the needs of the aging population, which continues to increase. An Age-Friendly Community will benefit more than just seniors in the long term. Targeting older adults and taking into account their various needs will enable communities to improve the quality of life for all residents, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities.


Eight Dimensions of an Age-Friendly Community

In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) released "Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide, which outlined eight areas of urban living. These were then adopted by the Age-Friendly Outreach Initiative as the eight dimensions which make up an Age-Friendly community.

Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings

This includes the physical environment that impacts the mobility, independence, and quality of life for senior residents.

Transportation

The services and means that are available to senior residents in order to move throughout the community.

Housing

This includes the structure, design, location and affordability of housing, as well as any related community and social services.

Social Participation

This includes the physical, social, cultural, and spiritual activities that are available to seniors in the community.

Respect and Social Inclusion

Fostering positive attitudes towards seniors and recognizing their voice within the community.

Civic Participation and Employment

This includes any volunteer or employment opportunities that can accommodate seniors and their respective needs.

Communication and Information

Ensuring that information about services and activities are readily available and easily accessible to senior residents.

Community Support and Health Services

This includes all services available to senior residents which would help them to maintain their physical health and personal independence.


Town of Kirkland Lake's Age-Friendly Plan

VISION STATEMENT:

As the number of older adults rise within Kirkland Lake and Area, so does the need for services and infrastructure to accommodate their growing needs. The Age-Friendly Community Plan aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults within the municipality. The initiatives resulting from this plan would benefit the community as a whole by accounting for a wide range of physical and mental abilities.

GOALS:

  • Promote active aging within the community
  • Remove barriers that prevent seniors from leading fulfilling lives
  • Allow seniors in our community to age with dignity in a safe environment

OBJECTIVES:

  • Improve pedestrian environment, especially in winter
  • Enhance existing transportation and make it more affordable
  • Encourage housing initiatives that promote independent living for older adults
  • Promote better access to social activities/events
  • Promote education workshops on various topics of interest to senior residents
  • Encourage community groups and businesses to accommodate older volunteers/employees
  • Improve the availability/accessibility of information to seniors
  • Improve access to services within the community

To view the plan in its entirety, click here.


Community Services for Older Adults in the Kirkland Lake and Area

A guide to local community services has been prepared. Hard copies of the guide are available at various municipal facilities, or you can view an online version here:

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