An age friendly city is a place that encourages active aging by optimizing
opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality
of life as people age. It is a place that works to improve the livelihood of
people of all ages (World Health Organization, 2005). The concept of an age
friendly city was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2005 the
WHO established the Age Friendly Cities Project, a partnership between 35 cities
around the world aimed to make communities better, healthier and safer places
for older adults to live and thrive.
According to the WHO, an age friendly city is a place where the policies,
services, settings and structures support and enable people to age actively by:
- recognizing the wide range of capabilities and resources among older
people;
- responding flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences;
- respecting their decisions and lifestyle choices;
- protecting those who are most vulnerable; and
- promoting their inclusion in and contribution to all areas of community
life.
Because active aging is a lifelong process, an age friendly city is not just
"elderly friendly" but rather a place that supports quality of life for people
of all ages.
To date, hundreds of cities around the world, including the City of London, have
focused on making their communities more age friendly.
The benefits of an age friendly city extend far beyond the senior population.
Smooth, well maintained sidewalks encourage walking by old and young alike as
well as persons with disabilities and parents with strollers. Women and children
have greater freedom in safe, secure neighbourhoods. Consistent high quality
care for those who require it at all ages reduces stress for family caregivers.
The employment and volunteer services provided by, and to, an aging population
unites and benefits the whole community. The patronage of business and the arts
benefits a whole economy. By being friendly to seniors, we are being friendly to
persons of all ages.
In 2010, the City of London became the first city in Canada to join the World
Health Organization Global Network of Age Friendly Cities. We want London
to be an age friendly city that encourages active aging by optimizing
opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality
of life as people age. Being a city that is friendly for older adults
creates a community that is age friendly for everyone.
What Are The Benefits Of Being Age Friendly?
Population aging and urbanization are the culmination of successful human
development during the last century. Living longer and thriving cities are
both positive trends that benefit everyone.
The WHO affirms that healthy, active older adults are a key resource depended
on by families, by the economy and by communities. Older adults provide
care for children, parents, other family members and friends. Older adults
as a group have significant spending power and make a dramatic impact on a local
economy. Finally seniors contribute an important degree of knowledge,
experience and wisdom to the community.
An age friendly community supports people throughout the aging process, and
many initiatives that are targeted to seniors benefit others as well.
Barrier-free buildings enhance the mobility for parents with young children.
Families experience less stress when their older relatives have access to the
supports they need. Safety measure benefit entire neighbourhoods and
positively impact community vitality.
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Age Friendly London Task Force
Over 150 older adult residents, along with City staff from various
departments, formed a task force. These individuals are community members
who are all committed to making London a more age friendly city. The
purpose of the Age Friendly London Task Force was to develop a three-year
action plan on how to make London a more age friendly city. This action
plan will be presented to City Council for their endorsement in the fall of
2012. This process fulfills the City of London's requirements as a member
of the Global Network of Age Friendly Cities.
The primary role of all members of the Age Friendly London Task Force was to
be an active participant in the process. This means attending all
meetings; respecting fellow Task Force members at all times; being committed to
helping make London a more age friendly city; and sharing thoughts, reflections,
and experiences with the group.
Focus Areas:
Because "age friendliness" is so broad and includes so many areas of the
community, it is important to have a framework within which to understand,
assess and develop strategies on London's age friendliness.
The WHO has developed a guide to assist cities who are members of the
Network. This guide outlines eight key areas of age friendliness.
These areas were identified through discussions with over 1500 individuals.
The eight key areas include:
- Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social Participation
- Respect & Social Inclusion
- Civic Participation & Employment
- Communication & Information
- Community Support & Health Services
The Age Friendly London Task Force was responsible to complete three specific
tasks prior to June 2012:
- Establish a vision for London as an age friendly city;
- Identify strategies and ideas to reach that vision; and
- Develop a three-year action plan for the future.
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Learn more in
Age Friendly
London
the report developed by the Age Friendly City Working Group in
June 2010.