Age-Inclusive Communities

Wellbeing
Sectors	Wellbeing
Contact	Wilfred Pinfold
Topics	Age-Inclusive Communities Community Engagement Economic Development Education and Training Measurement Mental Health Physical Health Quality of Life
Activities Connecting the Dots Technology Enhanced Aging-in-Place for Residents of Waterfront Village The Objectives of this project are: Integrates technology into every aspect of the organizational structure and functioning of a senior village organization (Waterfront Village) as a model aging-in-place project Develops programs that realize the potential of technology for elders, their families, and their caregivers in community committed to aging-in-place Provides the technical support that makes its possible for people ageing-in-place to become familiar and comfortable using advanced technology. Family CARE - Caregiver 2.0 Presence Caregiver learns daily activity patterns and can warn caregivers, family members and friends about incidents of concern with text alerts of potential hazards including falls, water leaks and wandering.

Authors

An age-inclusive community is a community that is designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all ages.

This includes features such as well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, accessible public transportation, and a variety of housing options. Additionally, age-inclusive communities often have programs and services that support older adults' physical and social well-being, such as recreation and social programs, healthcare services, and protective services. The concept of an age-inclusive community is based on the World Health Organization's Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, which aims to create communities that are livable for people of all ages. An age-inclusive community aims to promote active aging, social inclusion, and overall well-being of older adults while ensuring that the community is inclusive and accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

An age-inclusive community provides a variety of services and resources to support the development and well-being of toddlers and children. Some examples include:

• Early childhood education and care services, such as daycare centers and preschool programs
• Access to healthcare and preventive services, such as immunizations and regular check-ups
• Safe and accessible outdoor spaces and playgrounds
• Programs and activities that promote physical activity, social interaction, and learning, such as sports teams, youth clubs, and after-school programs
• Access to affordable and nutritious food through programs such as school breakfast and lunch, and community gardens
• Support for families, such as parenting classes and resources, and financial assistance
• Access to emergency services, childcare and family support services

An age-inclusive community provides a variety of services and resources to support parents in their role as caregivers. Some examples include:

• Childcare and early childhood education services, such as daycare centers and preschool programs
• Support for families, such as parenting classes and resources, and financial assistance
• Access to emergency services, childcare and family support services
• Access to healthcare and preventive services, such as immunizations and regular check-ups
• Support for work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, paid family leave, and flexible scheduling
• Programs and activities that promote physical activity, social interaction, and learning, such as sports teams, youth clubs, and after-school programs
• Access to affordable and nutritious food through programs such as school breakfast and lunch, and community gardens
• Access to transportation, such as buses and trains, and transportation services for people with disabilities

By providing these services, an age-inclusive community aims to support parents in their role as caregivers and help them to better balance work and care responsibilities. This in turn helps in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all age groups, and promoting intergenerational connections and understanding. Children can help seniors in an age-inclusive community in a number of ways, including:

• Intergenerational relationships: Children and seniors can form positive relationships, which can help to break down stereotypes and promote mutual understanding and respect between different age groups.
• Social connections: Children can provide seniors with social connections and a sense of purpose. They can provide companionship and a sense of belonging, and can help seniors to feel valued and needed.
• Mentorship: Seniors can act as role models and mentors for children, sharing their wisdom and experiences, and passing on their skills and knowledge.
• Volunteer opportunities: Children can volunteer alongside seniors in various community projects and activities, such as gardening, reading, teaching, and more.
• Learning opportunities: Children can learn from seniors about different cultures, history, and life experiences.
• Emotional support: Children can provide seniors with emotional support and comfort, and can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

In an age-inclusive community, children and seniors can have the opportunity to learn from each other, share their experiences, and form meaningful connections. This can help to create a more harmonious and supportive community for people of all ages.