History of Age Friendly Communities
- The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Age-Friendly Cities Project in 2006, in hopes to promote the development of accessible and inclusive communities that support active aging.
- This international project was formed by older citizens of 33 cities and 22 countries across the globe. Seniors representing four Canadian cities, in the province of British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Nova Scotia, participated through the work of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
- PHAC is promoting the implementation of the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) model throughout Canada by working with provinces and territories, engaging partners, sharing experiences and resources with individuals, community agencies, and other groups interested in becoming more age-friendly.
New Brunswick Age Friendly Community Recognition Program
The New Brunswick Age-Friendly Community Recognition Program started in 2012, as a way of encouraging communities and municipalities across the province to become welcoming places for all ages. The program encourages the creation of policies, services and structures that promote healthy aging and wellness.
The Age-Friendly Community movement encourages healthy aging and wellness under the following eight areas:
outdoor spaces and buildings
transportation
housing
social participation
respect and social inclusion
civic participation and employment
communication and information
community support and health services
Work in these key areas can help seniors to live in secure, healthy environments where they can contribute fully to society.
An age-friendly community is a place where seniors can flourish. When a community takes on age-friendly initiatives, it's creating a supportive place where seniors are respected for their contributions and strengths. This helps build communities that are more inclusive for everyone.
What are the Rewards?
Recognition for a community's commitment to become age-friendly will include:
An Age-Friendly Recognition Plaque and a Pull-Up Banner for display in the community.
A one-page action summary highlighting steps and initiatives taken to achieve age-friendly status will be posted on the department's Age Friendly Community web page to recognize the community's leadership and achievement.
An opportunity to receive national recognition from the Public Health Agency of Canada and an invitation to join the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
