Age-Friendly Communities: Messages from the Research

Pamela FanceyNova Scotia Centre on AgingMount Saint Vincent Universitywww.msvu.ca Preventing Falls Together ConferenceOctober 29, 2009

What is an age-friendly community?

Key premise - an age-friendly community promotes active ageing.

Active ageing is “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age” (Active Ageing: A Policy Framework, WHO, 2002).

Participatory Researchre advantages and barriers

Guiding Framework

33 cites

10 rural/remote communities

Research Outcomes1.Practical guides2.Increased awareness of seniors’ needs

Overview-Age-Friendly Communities Work

Implemen-tation and Action

Evaluate

Research Background

1) Outdoor spaces and buildings

2) Transportation

3) Housing

4) Respect and social inclusion

5) Social participation

6) Communication and information

7) Civic participation and employment

8) Community support and health services

Age-Friendly featuresAge-Friendly barriersSuggestions for improvement

Four Communities in Guysborough County

CansoSherbrookeSunnyvilleTown of Guysborough

4 focus groups, April-May 200741 seniors and caregivers

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

Strengths:•Buildings increasingly accessible•Plenty of parks, walking trails

Barriers:•Parks not wheelchair friendly•Accessibility to public buildings hit-and-miss•Lack of benches in public places (e.g., parks, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies)•Safety issues – lighting•Lack of paved shoulders on country roads hinder walking

“Cross walks signals are made

for Olympic runners.” Halifax city

“When you go for a walk, anybody that

can’t walk any distance, it’d be nice to have a bench.”

Transportation

Strengths One van service Volunteer drivers (e.g.,friends - seniors) Well ploughed streets in winter

Barriers Where have all the gas stations gone? distance and cost to access services

e.g., specialists, denturists, opticians

inconvenient appointment times (health care) winter weather night-time driving anxiety about town/city driving (senior drivers)

“…if it looks like snowflakes today, I’m scared to death to drive.”

“...it’s 50 kms to the next gas

station”.

…going to and from Halifax costs you

hundreds of dollars, if you

spend the night…”

Housing Lack of Housing Options

e.g. assisted living, seniors’ apartments Larger units needed (changing lifestyles) Placement in LTC far from home

Expenses maintenance

Outmigration – shortage of labourers Houses in disrepair (seniors helping seniors)

heating old homes NB: Hazards related to wood stoves

house insurance (many don’t have)

Isolation of many homes Power outages (be prepared in winter!) Going up and down stairs/fear of falling

“We pay $3000 a year to stay

warm…”

“When we first [moved] here, all [my husband] did was go to fires. Constantly, for

years…”

“We need accessible 2-bedroom

apartments-no steps! Or very few steps.”

Summary Idea of viewing our surroundings through an “age-

friendly” lens is new but critical to support persons to age in place

Falls prevention work very relevant Increased knowledge and awareness are key Some are very simple changes Others more complex and will require more

investment of time and money Need to learn from other communities and understand

to what extent actions make a difference

Acknowledgements

Participants – seniors, caregivers, service providers Advisory Committee Community contacts/liaisons NSCA Research team – Brenda Hattie, Dr. Janice

Keefe Halifax Regional Municipality Nova Scotia Department of Seniors