The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands created and adopted an Age-Friendly Action Plan in 2018. The plan was produced from information gathered through community feedback and the Inventory of Age-Friendly Community Dimensions completed in 2016. The Action Plan is the third step in the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning process and is the guide for the fourth step of implement and evaluate.
This document sets out a strategy for developing a community that meets the needs of its aging population through strategies and action items. It takes into consideration 8 World Health Organization Age-Friendly Dimensions addressing items such as buildings and outdoor spaces, transportation, housing, social participation, communication and information, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment as well as community supports and health services.
Background
The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands retained MMM Group Limited, a WSP company, to assist the Township with the preparation of an Inventory of Age-Friendly Community Dimensions (funded by the Government of Ontario). This Inventory consisted of the first two steps in the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning process and laid the foundation for developing the Age-Friendly Action Plan. Through the process, the inventory set course for the Township to develop the plan to promote and facilitate active and independent aging across the Township.
What is an age-friendly municipality? |
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The concept of an age-friendly municipality was identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), in response to data indicating that the proportion of the global population aged 60 or older is expected to double from 11% in 2006 to 22% by 2050. As people age and their needs change, communities must also change in order to remain desirable places to live. The WHO defines an age-friendly municipality as one that encourages active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age (WHO, 2007). What that means is that all older people, regardless of ability, need or capacity, should not only be included in all aspects of community life but be recognized for the valuable contribution they make.
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