What Really Makes a Municipality or Region Age Friendly?

Seniors for Social Action Ontario recently shared an editorial on What Really Makes a Municipality or Region Age Friendly?

The editorial states that “In 2006 the World Health Organization developed a Global Age Friendly Cities Project.” Eight key domains of what made cities age friendly were developed. These included: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services.

96% of people over 45 say they want to age in place. Most believe the support services needed won’t be there for them. Age friendly communities are supposed to be ones where health and community services are available to them. The editorial poses the question “But are they?”

To become a community that embraces all generations many partners and players are needed. Consider some of the key elements that are needed to build an age-friendly community. What follows are examples of what The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) has been doing to promote and support a community that embraces the needs of multiple generations which includes those wanting to age in place.

Housing that is safe and affordable is key to helping people remain in the community. TMCC is well-known for the mix of housing units developed over the past decade. It has developed a community for people of different ages and abilities. Indeed, it is a community.

Planning for the future includes the concept of a community campus. This campus includes the original Mount St. Joseph building, Marycrest at Inglewood and the new home of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s. In addition, plans are underway to build a new housing project at the corner of Monaghan and Woodland. When planning this future project, the important role that access to public transportation was key to building an accessible system of support for those who would live here.

In addition, the TMCC is the home for a project that is under the auspices of “Older Women Living Alone.” Five single women who now have an affordable place to call home that allows them independence and is built on the values of respect and social inclusion.

Further, the housing project, known as Shared Dreams for Independent Living, is a specialized initiative located at the TMCC, designed to provide independent living for young men with developmental disabilities. Again, it is supporting the ability for people with special needs to age in place. Further it provides support to the aging caregivers of these men.

In addition to the housing provided by TMCC, it is home to a number of community agencies. The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Day Programmes (ADPs) are designed to offer engagement and relaxation in a secure and home-like setting for older adults who routinely experience physical, social or cognitive challenges. St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church holds weekly services. A variety of private therapy services are located on the site. All of which support the concept of a community hub.

Finally, The Mount Community Centre has now purchased the former Bible College on Argyle Street in Peterborough. The intent is to again provide a mix of affordable housing types but also engage with community partners to develop a hub of support services. Further, both the TMCC and the Bible College are known for the availability of green space that is so vital to people who live in apartments if they are to thrive.

This is a quick overview of this type of planning, commitment and partnering that moves us to a community that supports people of many ages and abilities.

Author: Dawn Berry Merriam

Board Member

The Mount Community Centre