Why Age-Friendly Communities Matter
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by CYNTHIA GERMAIN
An age-friendly community is one that embraces people from all walks of life and addresses unique challenges and opportunities different age groups face. These communities focus on creating an environment where older adults can thrive while maintaining their independence, dignity and quality of life. The benefits of age-friendly communities extend beyond seniors; they create spaces where all community members can interact, contribute and learn from each other.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified eight key domains that shape an age-friendly community. Let’s take a look at these domains and learn how they contribute to ensuring the community is well-equipped to cater to the needs of its aging population.
• Outdoor spaces and buildings. Providing accessible and safe outdoor spaces, parks and buildings that accommodate people of all ages and abilities promotes physical activity, social interaction and a sense of belonging.
• Transportation. Designing transportation systems that are convenient, affordable and accessible to older adults enables them to remain connected to essential services and social activities.
• Housing. Providing housing options that are suitable for different stages of life allows older adults to age in place comfortably while remaining connected to their community.
• Social participation. Creating opportunities for older adults to engage in social, cultural and recreational activities reduces feelings of isolation and enhances their overall well-being.
• Respect and social inclusion. Fostering an environment that values the contributions of older adults combats ageism and promotes intergenerational dialogue.
• Civic participation and employment. Encouraging older adults to remain engaged in community decision-making, volunteer work and meaningful employment opportunities allows them to put into practice their wealth of experience.
• Communication and information. Ensuring that older adults have access to clear and relevant information empowers them to make informed decisions about their health, well-being and community engagement.
• Community support and health services. Establishing a network of support services that cater to the unique health and social needs of older adults promotes healthy aging.
The development of age-friendly communities has far-reaching benefits, not only for older adults but for a community as a whole. Here are just a few of the positive things age-friendly communities do.
• Promote social cohesion. Age-friendly communities encourage connections between generations, promoting understanding, empathy and mutual respect.
• Enhance quality of life. By addressing the specific needs of older adults, age-friendly communities enable them to live fulfilling lives and reduce the risk of isolation and depression.
• Maximize resources. Older adults contribute their wisdom, skills and experience to society. By providing opportunities for them to engage, age-friendly communities tap into this valuable resource.
• Sustain independence. Well-designed environments and supportive services enable older adults to maintain their independence, autonomy and dignity as they age.
To get a better understanding of how each domain contributes to the creation of an age-friendly community, visit tinyurl.com/pymvdazc and watch Do Good Door County’s video series on the topic.
By understanding and implementing the elements of an age-friendly community, we can establish environments that empower older adults to live their best lives while enhancing the lives of everyone around them. Let’s get started in Door County!
With a career spanning from nursing home administration to education, Do Good Door County founder and CEO Cynthia Germain has a wealth of experience in enhancing the lives of seniors. She’s dedicated to fostering a vibrant Door County community where older adults thrive, drawing on her passion for elder care and her extensive background in nonprofit leadership to do so.
