1. WHO Global Age-Friendly Cities Project
Louise Plouffe, Ph.D.
Public Health Agency of Canada

2. More older people in cities in the developing world
In 2050 the number of persons aged 60 + in developing countries will be 9 times greater than in 1998, and
The share of older persons living in urban areas will be 16 times greater
UN Habitat, 1999

3. What is an Age-Friendly City?
Inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing

4. Globalizing a Concept
Livable communities (AARP) Elder-friendly communities (Advantage Initiative, City of Calgary)
Common purpose: assess gaps, stimulate awareness and advocacy, mobilize community action
WHO goal: common tool for cities worldwide

5. WHO Age-Friendly Collaborating Cities
WESTERN PACIFIC
Australia, Melbourne
Australia, Melville
China, Shanghai
Japan, Himeji
Japan, Tokyo
BC Ministry of Health

7. Protocol Neighbourhood instead of entire city (where appropriate)
Focus groups with older persons (n = 8-10) essential
Age and 75+
Lower and middle SES (neighbourhood)
Focus groups with caregivers as proxies for severely disabled older persons
Focus groups with service providers (public, private and voluntary sectors)

9. Physical Environments
Accessibility
Safety
Security
Design
Proximity
Services

10. "There are few seating areas
"There are few seating areas.. You get tired and you need to sit down " (Melville, AU)

11. "The lives of many seniors revolves around the existing transportation system" (Dundalk, Ireland)

12. Much information is available but finding needed information is complicated (Moscow, Russia)
"As your faculties begin to fade, this kind of thing appears to cause more in terms of stress" (Halifax, Canada)

13. Social Environments
Integration – generations, cultures, social migration, social class
Support – giving and receiving family, community and economic support

14. People would notice if you weren't at mass" (Dundalk, Ireland)
"Older people feel they can participate in different areas and with people of all ages, depending on their personal initiative and desire" (La Plata, Argentina)
"The solution must be for older residents to strive to accept new residents as their companions" (Tokyo, Japan)
"Villages became empty. Now the villagers become older in cities" (Istanbul, Turkey)

15. "The doorman is really nice, he looks after 4 people in my building" (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
""We rely on the elderly as volunteers and we certainly value their opinion and their input" (Saanich, Canada)
"I have my retirement salary but how can I live with this little money?" (Istanbul, Turkey)

16. What’s happening now? Internationally
Wide Dissemination (e.g., France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Japan, Canada, China)
Networking and exchange among engaged communities to be supported by the International Federation on Ageing in collaboration with WHO

17. A resource for Non-Urban Communities
26% of Canadian seniors live in small communities
Guide based on consultations in 10 communities in 8 provinces

18. What's happening now?
Promotion and provincial support for implementation of community initiatives
Developing a conceptual framework to support evaluation of age-friendly communities implementation and outcomes

19. Comments/ Questions from Participants
Your comments and questions please......

20. Key Messages.....
Rising numbers of older people have the potential to live longer and healthier lives
Optimizing healthy aging requires promotion and prevention strategies addressing multiple physical and social determinants
A promising “age-friendly” model is emerging in care settings and especially in communities, both in Canada and internationally

21. Final Discussion Questions.....
What opportunities for action are on the horizon in your setting? (what, when, where, how to take advantage of these opportunities)
Who do you need to hear from next on this issue/topic?
What other information would help?

22. References & Resources
Adler, B.R. & Towne, N. (1999). Looking out, looking in (9th Ed.). Fort Worth: Harbour Brace College. Gutman, G.M., Clarke Scott, M.A. & Gnaedinger, N. (2001). Housing options for older Canadians: User satisfaction studies. Vol. 1. Case Studies Vol. 2 User Survey Results Vol. 3 Appendices. Ottawa: Research Division, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Gutman, G. & Love, T. (2008, January) Towards more elder friendly hospitals: Final report – Studies 3b and 3c. [Report submitted to Fraser Health Geriatric Clinical Service Planning and Delivery Team]. Vancouver: Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University. Health Canada Division of Aging and Seniors (2002). Healthy aging: Prevention of unintentional injuries among seniors. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services. Love, T. (2007, September) Modifications to the hospital physical environment: effect on older adults’ retention of post-discharge instruction. Unpublished MA thesis, Simon Fraser University. 22

23. Scott, V. , Peck, S. & Kendall, P. (2004)
Scott, V., Peck, S. & Kendall, P. (2004). Prevention of falls and injuries among the elderly: A special report from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer. Victoria, BC: Ministry of Health Planning. United Nations (1999). Principles for older persons. Available from: WHO (2007). Global age-friendly cities: A guide. Geneva: WHO Aging and Life Course Program. WHO (2002). Active ageing: A policy framework. Geneva: WHO Ageing and Life Course Program. 23

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Thanks for joining in!
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