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Age-friendly communities are places designed to support older adults in living healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. They focus on making the environment, services, and opportunities accessible and inclusive for people of all ages, especially seniors.
Key Features:
- Accessible Environments: Safe and easy-to-navigate streets, sidewalks, and buildings.
- Transportation Options: Reliable and affordable transportation for seniors.
- Housing Options: Diverse housing choices to meet the needs of older adults.
- Social Participation: Opportunities for seniors to engage in social, cultural, and civic activities.
- Respect and Social Inclusion: Valuing the contributions and experiences of older adults.
- Civic Participation and Employment: Opportunities for seniors to volunteer and work.
- Communication and Information: Access to clear and accessible information.
- Community Support and Health Services: Availability of healthcare, home care, and social services.
Who Benefits from Age-Friendly Communities?
- Older adults seeking to live independently and actively.
- Individuals with disabilities.
- Families with young children.
- People of all ages who want to live in a supportive and inclusive community.
The Misconception: Age-Friendly Communities are Just “Places with Ramps” and “Only Help Old People.”
The Interesting Angle: Age-Friendly Communities are Like “Building a City for Everyone, Forever” – They’re About Creating a Place Where People of All Ages Can Thrive, Not Just Survive, and They’re About Making Life Better for Everyone, Not Just Seniors!
- The Common Misunderstanding:
- People think age-friendly communities are only about making things easier for seniors and that they’re expensive and unnecessary.
- The Real Story: Building a City for Everyone, Forever
- Think of age-friendly communities as places where:
- Everyone can move around easily: Safe sidewalks, accessible buildings, and reliable transportation.
- People of all ages can have fun together: Parks, libraries, and community events for everyone.
- Seniors can stay involved: Volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs, and social clubs.
- Everyone feels respected and included: Valuing the contributions of all residents.
- It is about creating a better place for everyone: Not just a better place for one age group.
- It’s about building a community that works for everyone, not just a few.
- It’s about future proofing the community, and not just dealing with current problems.
- Think of age-friendly communities as places where:
- Why This is Powerful:
- It changes the idea from “just for seniors” to “for everyone.”
- It shows that age-friendly communities benefit all ages.
- It helps people see the importance of creating inclusive and accessible environments.
- The “Get it Wrong” Factor:
- People think they’re only for seniors, but they benefit everyone.
- They think they’re expensive, but they can save money in the long run by preventing problems.
- They think it is only about physical changes, and not about social and cultural changes.
Why Age-Friendly Communities are Important:
As our population ages, it’s crucial to create communities that support the well-being of older adults. Age-friendly communities help:
- Promote healthy aging: By providing access to healthcare, social activities, and safe environments.
- Reduce social isolation: By encouraging social participation and community engagement.
- Maintain independence: By providing accessible transportation and housing options.
- Improve quality of life: By creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all residents.
- Build stronger communities: By fostering intergenerational connections and valuing the contributions of all ages.
How to Find Age-Friendly Community Initiatives:
- World Health Organization (WHO):
- The WHO’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities provides resources and guidance for communities.
- Link: https://www.who.int/ageing/age-friendly-world/en/
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons):
- AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities provides resources and support for communities in the U.S.
- Link: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/
- Local Government Websites:
- Many cities and counties have initiatives related to age-friendly communities.
- Search “[your city/state] age-friendly community.”
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs):
- AAAs often work with communities to promote age-friendly initiatives.
- Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
- Local Senior Centers and Community Organizations:
- These groups are often involved in age-friendly initiatives at the local level.
Resources for Age-Friendly Communities and Related Initiatives:
- World Health Organization (WHO):
- Provides global resources and information on age-friendly cities and communities.
- Link: https://www.who.int/ageing/age-friendly-world/en/
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons):
- Offers resources and support for age-friendly communities in the U.S.
- Link: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/
- National Council on Aging (NCOA):
- Provides resources and programs to support healthy aging and age-friendly communities.
- Link: https://www.ncoa.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Offers information on healthy aging and creating age-friendly environments.
- Link: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/index.htm
- Eldercare Locator:
- Helps find local services and resources for older adults, including information on age-friendly initiatives.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/