Age-Friendly Community Strategy

Age-Friendly Community Strategy

Making communities age-friendly is one of the best ways to help seniors remain healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. Age-friendly communities encourage healthy aging by improving and preserving health; physical, social and mental wellness; independence and quality of life.

The City of Greater Sudbury, through the Seniors Advisory Panel and community partners, has worked to obtain recognition as an Age-Friendly Community and is continuing to develop an Age Friendly Community Work Plan.

Age-Friendly Communities:

  • recognize that older adults have a wide range of skills/abilities,
  • understand and meet age-related needs of older adults,
  • respect decisions and lifestyle choices of older adults,
  • protect those who are vulnerable, and
  • recognize contributions of older adults and include them in all areas of community life.

In an age-friendly community, the policies, services and physical and social environments are designed to help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved in their community. This is accomplished through:

  • accessible outdoor spaces, public buildings, roads, walkways and public transportation;
  • housing options;
  • health and support services; and
  • opportunities to be socially active, volunteer and participate in the community.

Learn more about the World Health Organization’s eight pillars of age-friendliness.

What have we done so far?

2013

  • An Age-Friendly Community (AFC) Planning Guide was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Seniors’ Affairs (OMSA), the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, the University of Waterloo, McMaster University and an advisory group including local representatives from government, professional associations and older adults. It provides tips and tools for communities to develop age-friendly action plans.

2015

  • The University of Waterloo, Queen’s University and Laurentian University, in partnership with OMSA, received grant money to: raise awareness of and disseminate the AFC Planning Guide; support the integration of the guide into planning initiatives, and develop community/university partnerships across Ontario to support community based age-friendly initiatives.  The City of Greater Sudbury was chosen as a pilot community to link with researchers and students to provide direct support with the implementation of local age-friendly initiatives.

2016

2017

2018

  • On January 24, 2018, the Committee invited community partners, businesses, Community Action Networks (CANs) and older adults to participate in an Age-Friendly Community Planning Session. Over 60 participants provided suggestions on how the City and community partners could further the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan.

  • On March 26, 2018, the City of Greater Sudbury was recognized by The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario and The Honourable Dipika Dameria, Minister of Senior Affairs with a Category 1 Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award. The inaugural award recognized the City’s leadership in creating a community that enables seniors to live independent, active and healthy lives.

  • In May 2018, the Seniors Advisory Panel presented short and long term age-friendly considerations to the City’s Business Leadership Group. Leaders were encouraged to bring information back to their teams for review and consideration.

  • On June 20, 2018, a community consultation session was held that included two visioning sessions for an Age Friendly Strategy. Participants provided ideas on how Greater Sudbury could become a welcoming city for all ages.

  • The Seniors Advisory Panel responded to the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) report, “Strengthening Age-Friendly Communities and Seniors’ Services for 21st Century Ontario” by addressing issues that impact seniors in Greater Sudbury.

2020

Greater Sudbury Age-Friendly Community Strategy Update (PDF, 5,315 KB)

Age-Friendly Awards and Recognition

  • The City of Greater Sudbury was the recipient of the 2018 Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award, which celebrates the work of Ontario communities that are striving to become age friendly.

  • In September 2018, Greater Sudbury became a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. Through this membership, the City will be part of a growing global movement of communities, cities and other sub-national levels of government that are striving to better meet the needs of older residents.

Next Steps

  • Leverage Council’s leadership, support and stewardship to achieve the next level of Provincial Age-Friendly recognition.

  • Pursue the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan with the continued support of Mayor and Council.

  •  Where feasible, take steps to seek Age-Friendly Status for Greater Sudbury through implementation of identified short-term and long-term considerations.

  • Review the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Checklist to identify areas of opportunity for possible implementation.

  • Seniors Advisory Panel to continue to deliver presentations to partners, businesses and Community Action Networks to raise awareness on age friendliness.

Age-Friendly Steering Committee Membership

  • Councillor Robert Kirwan, City of Greater Sudbury
  • Barbara Nott (Chair)
  • Dr. Birgit Pianosi, Laurentian University, Gerontology Program
  • Evelyn Dutrisac
  • Laurie Fraser
  • Sue Lavergne
  • Barbara Eles
  • Russ DeCou, North East Local Health Integration Network
  • Laryssa Vares, Public Health Sudbury & Districts
  • Carol Craig,  Public Health Sudbury & Districts
  • Mary Michasiw, Rockview Towers
  • Brandon McIsaac, Student, Laurentian University
  • Sherri Moroso, City Liaison, City of Greater Sudbury

Contact

For more information please contact Sherri Moroso at Sherri.Moroso@greatersudbury.ca or 705-674-4455, extension 2449.