According to a report commissioned by the Community Lifestyles Committee of the Olds Institute, Olds had “a significantly higher number of older adults aged 60+ than in towns with similar population in the province of Alberta.”
With support from the Olds Institute and Olds town council, the Age Friendly Committee is developing a project based on the Alberta government's Building Age Friendly Communities materials. The project has identified that this demographic would be important to consider when developing services in Olds.
To accomplish this goal, the Age Friendly Committee is using Alberta Health materials to host focus groups and survey residents on the eight dimensions of an age-friendly community.
The results and proposed action plan will be reported to the Olds Institute board, Olds town council and other relevant stakeholders. If residents want to participate, they can do so by contacting Erica Sweetman with the Age Friendly Committee.
What does an age-friendly community look like? It will have healthier residents, which will include those with various disabilities. Residents are supported to maintain their independence and prevent illness and injuries.
Age-friendly communities adapt, create and put in place policies, services, settings and structures that support and enable people to age actively by:
Developing stronger community connections: residents are encouraged to participate in the workforce, recreational opportunities and social and volunteer opportunities.
Increasing optimal use of public resources thus improving use of tax dollars.
Providing greater business opportunities.
Enhancing citizenship.
- Submitted to the Albertan
Age-friendly communities adapt, create and put in place policies, services, settings and structures that support and enable people to age actively
