Age-Friendly
The World Health Organization’s (W.H.O.) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities was created to help communities meet the needs of their older residents. The WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (the Network) encourages the sharing of experiences and mutual learning between cities and communities worldwide.
After several meetings with members of the community, an Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy was developed to promote healthy, active ageing and a good quality of life for older residents. It was approved by the Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC55+) Board of Directors and endorsed by City Council in June 2019. In January 2020, the City of Oshawa was welcomed as a member of the Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy
The Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy outlines a framework for the City and the OSCC55+ to respond to both opportunities and challenges of an aging population by creating physical and social environments that support independent active living and enable older adults to continue contributing to all aspects of community life.
| Guiding principles |
|
The Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy is guided by the following principles:
Core recommendations for strategy implementation:
|
Age-Friendly City Core Elements
| 1. Outdoor spaces and buildings |
|
The outside environment and public buildings have a major impact on the mobility, independence and quality of life of older people and affects their ability to “age in place”. Ensuring accessibility enables people of all abilities, including older adults, are able to participate in opportunities for physical fitness and social interaction. Factors to consider include:
|
| 2. Transportation |
|
Transportation, including accessible and affordable public transport, is a key factor influencing active ageing. Being able to move around the community determines the how people can participate in social/civic activities and access community and health services. Factors to consider include:
|
| 3. Housing |
|
Housing that is suitable and affordable is critical to maintaining dignity and the well-being of older adults. There is a need for a variety of housing models that offer a range of prices, styles and availability of services. Factors to consider include:
|
| 4. Social participation |
|
Social participation and support are connected to good health and well-being throughout life. Being part of leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities in the community, as well as with the family, allows older people to continue to be healthy, to enjoy respect and esteem, and to maintain or establish supportive and caring relationships. Factors to consider include:
|
| 5. Respect and social inclusion |
|
Community attitudes are critical factors for establishing an Age-Friendly community. Positive images of older adults contributing to our community help to reduce aging stereotypes and isolation. Culture, gender, health status and economic status play a large role in the respect and social inclusion of older people. Factors to consider include:
|
| 6. Civic participation and employment |
|
Older adults possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that is invaluable to community planning. Civic engagement includes older adults desire to be involved in aspects of the community such as working, volunteering and becoming politically active. Factors to consider include:
|
| 7. Communication and information |
|
An Age-Friendly community provides communication and information that is timely, relevant and easily accessible to older people with varying capacities and resources. Factors to consider include:
|
| 8. Community support and health services |
|
Health and support services are important to maintain health and independence in the community. Many concerns of older adults, caregivers and service providers consider the availability of sufficient, good quality, appropriate and accessible health care and community support services. Factors to consider include:
|
Additional Information
| Oshawa Older Adult Demographics |
|
It is estimated that in 2018 the population of those 55+ in Oshawa was over 52,000. This represents 31% of the total Oshawa population.
|
| Oshawa Age-Friendly Team |
|
Oshawa Age Friendly Steering Committee Community volunteers, Oshawa Senior Community Centres staff and partners are members of a steering committee that develop working groups to implement the recommendations of the Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy. Oshawa Accessibility/Age-Friendly Staff Working Group Staff representatives from the City of Oshawa departments serve on a committee that will implement the recommendations of the Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy. Community Partners |
| Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ |
|
The OSCC55+ has been helping adults aged fifty-five plus improve their quality of life through excellence in programs and services since 1968. They encourage older adults in Oshawa and the surrounding community to join them. Programs and services include:
Additional Community Services |
| City of Oshawa Programs and Services |
City Programs and Services
Transportation |
| Additional Community Contacts |
Other Programs and Services
|
