Oakville Age-friendly Baseline Study - Welcome to the … - culture recreation... · Oakville Age-friendly Assessment | 1 Contents ... First: Ontario’s 2015 Action Plan for Health

Oakville Age-friendly Baseline Study January 2017

Prepared by

In association with

J Consulting Group PRC Solutions

Oakville Age-friendly Assessment | 1

Contents1.0 Age-friendly Communities ....................................................................................... 22.0 A Local Approach .................................................................................................... 4

Current Context ....................................................................................................... 53.0 Community Profile at a Glance ................................................................................ 64.0 Local Voices .......................................................................................................... 105.0 Age-friendly Assessment ....................................................................................... 13

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings ................................................................................. 14Transportation ....................................................................................................... 15Housing ................................................................................................................. 16Respect and Social Inclusion ................................................................................ 17Civic Participation and Employment ...................................................................... 18Social Participation ................................................................................................ 19Communication & Information ............................................................................... 20Community Support & Health Services ................................................................. 21

6.0 Summary of Community Priorities ......................................................................... 227.0 The Way Forward .................................................................................................. 24

Guiding Principles ................................................................................................. 25Moving Forward .................................................................................................... 25

8.0 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................... 27

Oakville Age-friendly Assessment | 2 Oakville Age-friendly Assessment | 2

Age-Friendly Communities

Aging communities across Canada are faced with supporting the health of their populations and addressing the changing needs of their residents. Age-friendly communities began in Canada in 2006/2007 when the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Global Age-friendly Cities Project. This project brought together cities from around the world that had an interest in supporting healthy aging by creating communities that were more age-friendly. The activities of this project helped identify eight key areas of community life in which communities can become more age-friendly:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings• Transportation• Housing• Respect and social inclusion

• Civic participation and employment• Social participation• Communication and information• Community support and health services

Age-Friendly Communities


Complementing the work of WHO’s Global Age-friendly Cities Project, in 2013 Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors was developed. This Plan was informed by a report by Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network hospitals and Expert Lead for Ontario’s Senior Strategy entitled Living Longer, Living Well, which identifies three key goals: healthy seniors, senior-friendly communities, and safety and security. Age-friendly Communities (AFCs) are a key component of Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors1. To further guide communities to create age-friendly environments, the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat (OSS), the University of Waterloo, McMaster University and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario developed Finding the Right Fit: Age-friendly Community Planning. The guide introduces and explains age-friendly principles and presents a range of tools and measures to help communities develop age-friendly community plans.

1 Ontario Finding the Right Fit

The WHO defines an age-friendly city as one that “encourages active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” 2 The Ontario Age-friendly Community Planning Guide sees an age-friendly community as one that “responds to both the opportunities and challenges of an aging population by creating physical and social environments that support independent and active living and enable older people to continue contributing to all aspects of community life.”3 Both of these definitions are based on the idea of the ‘person-environment fit’ or the extent to which an aging person’s community environment, both physical and social, meets their needs, preferences and abilities.

2 WHO guide 3 Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide

In addition to the Province's Action Plan for Seniors, elements of age-friendliness are also aligned with the Province’s Aging at Home Strategy (2007), aimed to “enable people to continue leading healthy and independent lives in their own homes,” and the Patients First: Ontario’s 2015 Action Plan for Health Care, by connecting seniors and caregivers to “better coordinated and integrated care in the community, closer to home.” The Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy further supports better housing outcomes for seniors. Realizing Our Potential: Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy (2014-2019), makes a commitment to continue to provide provincial supports to seniors to help them live with dignity and enjoy continued income security in retirement.

What is an Age-friendly Community? Policies, programs, services and environments support and enable people to age actively. As all communities are unique they may take different approaches to achieving age-friendliness.

Source: Government of Ontario – Ontario Seniors Secretariat


A Local Approach The Town of Oakville is committed to improving the lives of older adults in the community and, through the Age-friendly Assessment, is seeking to better understand the needs of older adults. In support of seniors’ initiatives and age-friendly planning, the town established an Age-friendly Oakville Committee. In addition to this more recent Committee, the town also has an active Seniors Working Action Group (SWAG). Through this commitment, and building on the WHO framework for Age-friendly Communities, the Town of Oakville has embarked on the process of becoming more age-friendly. Furthermore, by becoming a community that responds to the needs of an aging community, in turn it meets the needs of all ages. This Age-friendly Assessment provides a baseline of the town’s current ‘age-friendliness’ and sets a direction for moving forward with future age-friendly planning.

A Local Approach


Current Context The vision for the Town of Oakville is “to be the most livable town in Canada.” The town’s Official Plans (Livable Oakville and the North Oakville East and West Secondary Plans), establish the policies and land use designations that implement this vision. For example, Livable Oakville notes that a guiding principle underpinning all growth and development-related decisions is to “enable the availability and accessibility of a wide range of housing, jobs, and community resources to meet the diverse needs of the community through all stages of life.” Supporting this vision is a mission to create and preserve the community’s cultural, social and economic environments for all residents. The town, through its Strategic Plan, emphasizes treating everyone with respect; providing accessible programs and services; and providing outstanding service to residents. The principles of an age-friendly community are closely aligned with the town’s vision. In addition, the town’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2012-2017) outlines many policies and actions that promote age-friendliness, including incorporating accessible design, creating opportunities for accessible information and providing accessible transportation.

The Parks, Recreation and Library Facilities Master Plan also identifies specific strategies and goals with respect to the town’s older adults. In addition, dedicated seniors’ facilities, in conjunction with co-location of senior programming opportunities in multi-use facilities are seen as key to providing a more even distribution throughout the town. In addition, the updating and expansion of well-used older facilities is important in maintaining older adult programming in Oakville. With respect to outdoor facilities, a range of age-friendly priorities, such as location, accessibility and comfort, are recommended. Trails, in particular, have specific mandates with respect to their design and development which should incorporate aspects of accessibility, safety and security.

The town's Cultural Plan 2016-2021 also has a number of priorities which align with age-friendliness, including reaching out and engaging the entire community. The Cultural Plan emphasizes applying a 'cultural lens' to all town projects and programs in order to identify opportunities for arts and culture to help achieve the broader town goals. There is also the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) which addresses the needs of older adults with respect to safety, inclusion, integration and diversity.

These policy and planning documents are strong foundational pieces that position the town to be an age-friendly community. However, the age-friendliness of a community goes beyond the purview of the municipality and by definition, must take into consideration the services of other agencies, organizations and service providers. In the development of this baseline, the town has taken a leadership role in assessing the current status of age-friendliness town-wide. However, it is understood that advancing the age-friendliness of a community is a joint responsibility involving all stakeholders.


Community Profile at a Glance Population The Town of Oakville’s population grew by 10.2% between 2006 and 2011. This is in comparison to a growth rate of 14.2% and 5.7% for Halton Region and Ontario, respectively, during the same time frame. Figure 1: Population for Town of Oakville, Halton Region, and Ontario; 2006 and 2011

2006 2011 Change (2006-2011)

Town of Oakville 165,613 182,520 10.2% Halton Region 439,206 501,669 14.2% Ontario 12,160,282 12,851,821 5.7%

Source: Statistics Canada. 2011. Census Profile.; Statistics Canada. 2006. Community Profile.

Community Profile at a Glance


The Town of Oakville’s senior age cohort is the fastest growing population group in the country4. In 2011, 32.6% of the population (59,470 individuals) was 50 years or older, up from 29.2% in 2006. This is in comparison to 32.2% of the population in Halton Region and 35.1% of the population in Ontario aged 50 years or older5.

4 Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network. 2015. Meeting Senior Care Needs Now and in the Future. 5 Statistics Canada. 2011. Census Profiles.

Oakville’s immigrant population is also increasing. In 2011, 30.1% of the population was comprised of recent immigrants, compared to 44.3% in Halton Region and 28.5% in Ontario6. Of the immigrant population in Oakville, 7.7% is aged 45 or older, compared to 7.7% in Halton Region and 9.1% in Ontario.

6 Vital Signs. 2015. Oakville Vital Signs Report: Mississauga LHIN. 2016. Demographics.

Oakville is home to the highest and lowest household incomes in Halton Region7. The average household income is $160,000, with an 8.6% overall poverty rate.

7 Vital Signs. 2015.

Note: This data is from the 2011 census and it is anticipated that 2015/16 data will demonstrate an increase in the older adult population.

Household Characteristics Roughly 39.4% of households in Oakville are maintained by an individual aged 55 or older, compared to 39.2% in Halton Region and 51.7% in Ontario.

Figure 2: Age of Household Maintainers for Town of Oakville, Halton Region, and Ontario; 2011

55-64 years 65-74 years 75+ years

Town of Oakville 18.5% 11.4% 10.2% Halton Region 17.6% 11.5% 14.2% Ontario 19.0% 12.1% 5.7%

Source: Statistics Canada. 2011. National Household Survey.


Of all ownership housing in Oakville, 24.7% of households have at least one senior aged 65 or older. Of those households, 8.9% of those led by a person aged 65 or older are in core housing need8, compared to 38.7% of rental housing led by a person aged 65 or older.

8 Core housing need: according to CMHC, a household is said to be in core housing need if its housing falls below at least one of the adequacy (not requiring any major repairs), affordability (dwelling costs are less than 30% of total before-tax household income), or suitability (housing has enough bedrooms for the size and makeup of the resident households, according to National Occupancy Standard requirements).

Households by Tenure

Ownership 24.7% have at least one sen ior aged 65 or older

4.7% of households led by a 55-to-64-year-old are in core housing need

8.9%of households led by a person aged 65 or older are in core housing need

4 .2% of households contain a senior (65+) female living alone

1.2% of households contain a senior (65+) male living alone

Rental

22.9%have at least one senior aged 65 or older

18.8%of households led by a 55-64-year-old are in core housing need

38.7%of households led by a person aged 65 or older are in core housing need

11.3% of households contain a senior (65+) female living alone

2.6%of households contain a senior (65+) male living alone

According to the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, there was an average wait time of 2.5 years for seniors’ subsidized/assisted living units in Oakville. Average vacancy rates in Oakville decreased from 1.5% in October 2014 to 0.7% in October 20159.

9 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 2016. Housing Market Information Portal.

Households by Tenure


Population Health According to Statistics Canada, the life expectancy for the Mississauga-Halton Health Region is 81.2 years for males and 84.8 years for females. One-in-four older adults are living with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and dementia, and 50% of people over the age of 80 reported feeling lonely10.

10 Statistics Canada. 2013. Health Profile.

Activity limitations also present a problem for many seniors in the country. Between 15 and 18% of seniors aged 65 or older require assistance with everyday activities such as shopping, personal care, housework, and meal preparation.

Ute Expectancy

Mississauga-Halton Health Region • Life expectancy at birth is 81.2 years

for males and 84.8 years for females

• Life expectancy at age 65 is 19.6 years for males and 22.4 years for females

• Life expectancy in Ontario is 83.6 years for females and 79.2 years for males

Seniors' Health

1 in4 older adults are living with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or dementia

50% of people over the age of 80 reported feeling lonely (2015)

Dlsabllltles and Activity Umltatlons

• 30.1% of all households have at least one person with activity limitations

• 15to18% of seniors aged 65 or older require assistance with everyday activities such as shopping, personal care, housework, and meal preparation

• There were approximately4,900 persons receiving O osp• supports in Halton Region in 2012

• Chronic conditions, disabilities, and mental health issues are more prevalent among today's seniors

"The Ontario Disability Support Program CODSP) is a government-funded income support paid for qualifying residents in the province of Ontario who are above the age of 18 and have a disability.

Sources. Statistic's Canada. 2013. Health Profile.; Keefe, J. Legare, J., and Carriere, Y. 2007. Developing New Strategies to Support Future Caregivers of Older Canadians with Disabilities. Canadian Public Policy, 23.; SHS Consulting. 2011. In Home Care Research Study. Canada's National Seniors Council. 2014. Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors.

Social inclusion is also a very important consideration for seniors, as they often risk being isolated or feeling lonely. Canadian seniors identified social inclusion and connectedness to their community as some of the most important issues they face11. A lack of social relationships, discontent with the quality of relationships and low levels of social engagement and participation have damaging effects on the quality of life for seniors12. In 2015, 24% of Canadian seniors reported that they wish to participate in more social activities13. Oakville’s 2015 Vital Signs report also identified elder abuse as a problem that occurs within their community.

11 Canada’s National Seniors Council. 2014. 12 Victor, C. R., Scambler, S., Bowling, A., and Bond, J. 2005. The Prevalence of, and Risk Factors for Loneliness in Later Life. Ageing and Society: 357-75. 13 Statistics Canada. 2015. Social Participation and the Health and Well-Being of Canadian Seniors.


Local Voices Understanding the needs and opportunities within the town requires the perspective of the people who live and work in the community. Through the consultation activities conducted from June to September 2016, the project team heard from a number of residents and stakeholders. The insight, experience and knowledge of these individuals have been summarized and reflected in the following synopsis. This synopsis highlights key messages heard across all engagement activities.

Local Voices


Engaged Community Each consultation activity highlighted a commitment by the community to be a part of making the Town of Oakville age-friendly. Over 500 questionnaires were completed by residents who dedicated about 30 minutes of their time either at their computer or filling out a paper questionnaire to provide their insights on, and experience with, the current age-friendliness of the town. Residents showed great dedication and enthusiasm through the participation at the Open House, providing their ideas on how to make Oakville friendlier to an aging population. In addition, many stakeholder organizations were consulted through interviews and focus groups to receive their input insights on the needs and challenges pertaining to age friendliness in Oakville. The findings expressed in this report are reflective of the information that was received through all methods of consultation and research.

Overall, the findings show that Oakville is in a very good position as an age-friendly community. There are a great number of supportive initiatives in play to address the needs of an aging population and both the town and other agencies are very proactive in assessing needs and implementing solutions. The following is a brief synopsis of what was heard.

General sense of “Good Health” but Some Areas of Concern Based only on questionnaire results, most residents reported being in either ‘very good’ or ‘good’ physical health, mental health, and reported a good quality of life. Looking at more targeted questions on challenges, there are some areas where participants report some level of concern, including feeling lonely, feeling depressed and experiencing confusion or forgetfulness.

Lots Going on in Oakville but Greater Awareness Needed Understanding more thoroughly how seniors are accessing information and resources is an important message. Many stakeholders expressed a general lack of understanding with respect to ‘what’s out there’, not as much from a town program and services perspective, but from other community and health services partners. System navigation (i.e. understanding how to access programs and services) was also identified as a challenge by support agency stakeholders as well as from Open House participants.

Strong Emphasis on Need for Affordable Housing and Housing Options Adequate housing choices, in particular affordable housing options, was one of the top priorities expressed by stakeholders. Participants from all engagement activities pointed to a lack of rental housing, affordable housing and housing with support services. While most questionnaire respondents indicated that their housing needs were currently being met, many disagreed that there was a full range of housing choices for seniors in Oakville. The vast majority of focus group and Open House participants felt that they would not be able to age in place, in Oakville, given the lack of housing options for seniors.


Transit Expressed as a Priority for Age-friendliness Following housing, public transit was identified by many focus group and interview participants as the next highest priority. Questionnaire results found that most respondents do not take Oakville Transit and just over half said they have not taken transit in the last year. However, there is a general level of agreement that bus stops and stations are clean, safe, and conveniently located.

No Shortage of Local Ideas The Age-friendly Open House was a workshop-style event that highlighted many thoughtful ideas from residents on how to improve the current age-friendliness of Oakville. Ideas included improved access to information, more affordable housing options (including HomeShare and second units), and unique employment opportunities for seniors.

Consider Diversity of ‘Seniors’ One message to emerge through the assessment process, was that there is diversity among ‘seniors’ in Oakville. For example, older adults who are 55 years old have different needs, and wants, than seniors who are 80 years old. In addition, there are older adults/seniors who are currently working, those who are retired, and others who would like to volunteer in a variety of ways. Moreover, recognizing the cultural diversity of the population is equally important to understand how different people engage and participate in their community. Unpacking this diversity into various age cohorts may help to further articulate the needs of the ‘younger senior’ versus the ‘frail/elderly’ senior. Most questionnaire respondents have lived in Oakville for twenty years or more, so reaching out in future initiatives to newcomers would help to further understand the diverse needs of seniors in the town.

“A Good Place to Live” The vast majority (91%) of respondents indicated that the Town of Oakville is a good place to live.

There are many Age-friendly Partners Throughout the various engagement activities, as more and more stakeholders were involved in the process, it became clear that there are many partners in age-friendliness. Age-friendliness has an impact on so many municipal departments and staff, on seniors and their caregivers, on community and health support service providers, on housing providers, as well as on so many recreational and cultural organizations and groups. It was also emphasized within the interview phase that local businesses are an important partner as are academic partners.

Keep the Conversation Going! The community engagement initiatives underlie the desire of residents to be active in the enhancement of their community. In general, participants were happy to provide input about the current level of age-friendliness in the town. Moreover, focus groups and the workshop provided an opportunity for residents to engage not only with staff and facilitators but also to share experiences and stories with each other.


Age-friendly Assessment The Town of Oakville Age-friendly Assessment presents a baseline of current strengths and challenges for meeting the needs of an aging and growing population. Throughout the age-friendly assessment process, residents, stakeholders and staff explored in detail each of the eight WHO dimensions of an age-friendly community. The results of these findings are presented, by age-friendly dimension, in the following sections. For each dimension:

• Descriptions of the WHO Age-Friendly Dimensions are from the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide: http://www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/resources/AFCP_Eng.pdf

• Common barriers are identified by residents and stakeholders as part of age-friendly Assessment.

• Current initiatives are acknowledged from a review of local policy and program documents, and input from town staff and key stakeholders. A complete inventory of Age-friendly Initiatives has been developed as part of the Assessment. This inventory is available as a separate Excel database.

Oakville Age-Friendly Assessment | 13

Age-friendly Assessment

http://www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/resources/AFCP_Eng.pdf


Overall findings point to a number of strengths. Questionnaire findings show that 91% of residents rate Oakville as a ‘very good’ or ‘good’ place to live. Residents also report a positive sense of community, of neighbourliness and an overall feeling of safety in their community. Residents and stakeholders also identified a broad range of services, programs, activities and events available to older adults. Oakville is a vibrant community with parks, trails and outdoor spaces. The town has a dedicated seniors’ advisory group, two dedicated seniors’ centres, and two older adult centres and one seniors’ club within community centres. The Town of Oakville has an engaged community of residents, volunteers, agencies and organizations who are keen to explore ways of making their community age-friendly.

How do you rate the Town of Oakville as a place to live?

1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings When people view a neighbourhood as safe and accessible, it encourages outdoor activities or engagement with the community. Accessibility involves removing barriers that limit opportunities for people with disabilities, including older adults with age-related impairments, and allowing older adults to participate in social activities or to access important health and social services and businesses. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Crosswalks not providing enough time to cross • Accessible walkways (widening sidewalks,

sidewalks on more roads, accessible curb cuts, maintenance of sidewalks)

• Roads not wide enough to accommodate motorists, cyclists and parking

• More rest spots needed at bus stops, parks and along streets

• Accessibility of parks and trails • Need for more public washrooms (in some parks)

Crosswalk signals provide enough time to cross

the road


Current Initiatives: • Municipal facilities being developed and retrofitted to Oakville Universal Design

Standards oakville.ca/residents/accessibility-design-guidelines.html• Several rehabilitation programs underway (pedestrian ramps, trails, bridges and

stairs, and park washrooms) • Two dedicated seniors centres, and two older adults centres and one seniors’ club

within community centres • Strong agreement by residents of availability of public parks, trails and conservation

sites in Oakville; residents praise Oakville parks as ‘favourite spaces’ • Snow clearing program for 65+ seniors with medical conditions and/or disabilities • Pedestrian safety program underway • Accessibility Advisory Committee working towards removing barriers and enhancing

mobility, including trail accessibility audit underway

2. Transportation The condition and design of transportation-related infrastructure such as signage, traffic lights and sidewalks affects personal mobility. Access to reliable, affordable public transit becomes increasingly important when driving becomes stressful or challenging. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Access to affordable public transportation • Ease of cycling in Oakville • Seniors not accessing public transit • Available transit to parks and trails • Events and programs not coordinated with transit schedules • Insufficient lighting on some rural roads

Ease of walking in Oakville

Ease of cycling in Oakville

Ease of vehicle travel in Oakville

Very Good 18% 5% 18%

Good 47% 15% 39%

Fair 16% 20% 18%

Poor 3% 10% 7%

Don’t Know 1% 23% 2%

Not Applicable 0% 11% 1%

No Response 14% 16% 14%

http://oakville.ca/residents/accessibility-design-guidelines.html


Strongly Agree 5% Agree 8% Disagree 22% Strongly Disagree 6% Don't Know 45% No Response 14%

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Current Initiatives:

• Updating the Active Transportation Master Plan oakville.ca/townhall/active-transportation-master-plan.html to improve the town’s cycling, walking and transportation networks

• Free transit for older adults on Mondays • Oakville care-A-van services for persons with disabilities, including seniors • Special destination-specific transit services for older adults (e.g. door-to-door service

to shopping malls) • Ongoing program to increase crosswalk safety for older adults • Ongoing enhancements to outdoor trails to encourage active transportation • Accessibility training provided for transit drivers • No charge transit fare for support persons accompanying a person with a disability • Halton Region SPLIT program for affordable transit fares • Annual program to improve accessibility of bus stops • Visual and audio announcements of next stop on all Oakville Transit buses as well as

pre-boarding announcements as part of the Real Time information system • Real time bus information to assist with trip planning • Oakville CAN-Bike Cycling Program

3. Housing For many older adults, aging in place is desirable. The availability of appropriate, affordable housing with a choice of styles and locations which incorporates flexibility through adaptive features, is essential for age-friendly communities. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Access to affordable housing • Inadequate range of housing options for seniors (i.e.

accessible housing, housing with supports, long-term care homes)

• Lack of supports to age at home • Insufficient awareness of housing and support options • Housing that is located near transportation, amenities

and services

Affordable housing options for seniors in Oakville

“Affordable Housing is a huge gap”

Interview participant

5%

8%

22%

6%45%

14%

Strongly Agree Agree

Disagree Strongly Disagree

Don't Know No Response

http://oakville.ca/townhall/active-transportation-master-plan.html


Current Initiatives: • (New) regulations to permit second units (basement apartments, garage suites) to

help seniors remain at home and/or close to family • Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program • Driveway Snow Windrow Clearing Program for older adults 65+ • Region of Halton resources (i.e. Housing Options for Older Adults in Halton guide) and

programs (i.e. Social Housing, Housing Stability Fund, Accessibility Repair Program)

4. Respect & Social Inclusion Community attitudes, such as a general feeling of respect and recognizing the role that older adults play in our society, are critical factors for establishing an age-friendly community. Age-friendly communities foster positive images of aging and intergenerational understanding to challenge negative attitudes. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Feelings of ageism and being undervalued • Need to recognize diversity to better understand how people engage and participate

in the community • Gap in connecting with individuals who are isolated • Insufficient outreach to new (older) residents

Current Initiatives: • Seniors centres, libraries and community centres provide safe spaces for older adult

programs and services • Recognition of older adult volunteers for

contribution to the Oakville community • Accessible customer service standards as per the

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005)

• Assistive devices to allow individuals to access town facilities

Sense of Community in Oakville


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5. Civic Participation & Employment Civic engagement includes older adults’ desire to be involved in aspects of community life that extend beyond their day-to-day activities, such as volunteering, becoming politically active, voting or working on committees. Economic security is important for many older adults, particularly those with low and fixed incomes. The ability of an older adult to remain employed or find new employment provides economic security, and it benefits employers who recognize the experience and commitment that older employees bring to the workplace. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Opportunities to engage in municipal government

meetings, processes and initiatives

Common Barriers: • Uncertainty among residents of opportunities to

participate in municipal processes • Meeting needs of diverse interests and skills level of

older adult volunteer sector • Creating employment opportunities for ‘young’

seniors (i.e. 50-65 years)

Current Initiatives: • Oakville Public Library and the Seniors’ Centres

provide assistance to seniors looking for volunteer opportunities

• On-site voting at all long-term care and retirement homes

• Live streaming (and ‘on demand’) of council and committee meetings

• Town of Oakville provides volunteer opportunities • Seniors Working Action Group (SWAG) supports the

well-being of seniors in the Town of Oakville under the authority of the Department of Recreation and Culture. Their mandate is to: • Represent seniors on an Age- Friendly committee

with the Town of Oakville • Advocate for quality of life and dignity in the Oakville

Community • Provide seniors’ information to the community • Support and review issues of interest and concern such as housing, health care,

transportation and recreation

Residents perspective on opportunities to engage in

municipal government meetings, processes and initiatives

Very Good 32% Good 32% Fair 8% Poor 1% Don't Know 11% Not Applicable 0% No Response 16%

“Volunteer opportunities provide a great deal of satisfaction”

Open House participant


6. Social Participation Interacting with family and friends is an important part of positive mental health and community awareness. Social participation involves the level of interaction that older adults have with other members of their community and the extent to which the community itself makes this interaction possible. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Social isolation and loneliness • Need opportunities to engage people from all backgrounds (cultural, ethnic,

economic) • Affordability of programs for low-income seniors

Recreational activities

Fitness activities Cultural activities

Very Good 28% 7% 7%

Good 33% 7% 13%

Fair 9% 35% 35%

Poor 3% 15% 16%

Don’t Know 11% 3% 4%

Not Applicable 16% 32% 25%

No Response 28% 7% 7%

Current Initiatives: • Range of recreational, cultural, spiritual, and social activities offered in Oakville for

older adults (music lessons, art lessons, bridge classes, fitness classes, language classes, book clubs and computer lessons)

• Seniors’ centres provide a dedicated, welcoming accessible space for older adults; helping to reduce social isolation

• Seniors’ (speaker) Series provided at Oakville Public Library and town Seniors’ Centres

• Financial support for residents in need to participate in recreational and cultural programs and services


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7. Communication & Information Age-friendly communities ensure that information about community events and important services is both readily accessible and in formats that are appropriate for older adults. Moreover, an age-friendly community recognizes the diversity within the older adult population and promotes outreach initiatives to non-traditional families, minorities, newcomers and aboriginal communities. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Residents and stakeholders expressed

challenges navigating town website • Lack of awareness of range of existing

programs and services (housing, health, social support)

• Insufficient understanding of how older adults are accessing information

• Access to information in different languages and in appropriate locations/platforms for diverse backgrounds

• Many stakeholders reported often hearing about activities or events that they wished they’d known about earlier

Residents sense of feeling informed or uninformed about

services and activities available to adults 50+ in Oakville

Very Informed 17% Somewhat Informed 50% Somewhat Uninformed 12% Very Uninformed 5% No Response 16%

Current Initiatives: • Oakville Beaver is a positive source of

information and events for residents • Information sessions and fairs for seniors

through the Seniors’ Centres and the Seniors Working Action Group

• Newcomer services through Oakville Public Library (citizenship information, settlement services, newcomer conversation)

• Free access to computers and Wi-Fi at Oakville Public Library

• Online Halton Seniors’ Services Directory recently launched

• Improvements made to town’s website accessibility

In general, how informed or uninformed do you feel about

services and activities to those aged 50+ in Oakville?

“Need to know what is out there and how to get it”

Focus group participant

17%

37%16%

5%

11%

15%

Very Good Good

Fair Poor



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8. Community Support & Health Services Good mental and physical health contributes to quality of life and age-friendliness. When evaluating age-friendliness, consider access to community-related services that support physical or mental well-being and the availability of health promotion or awareness services that promote and support healthy behaviours and life choices. (Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide)

Common Barriers: • Insufficient awareness of informal support

services (i.e. meal programs, volunteer driving, places of social interaction)

• Need for greater knowledge, coordination, and delivery of current support services

• Gap in availability and accessibility of mental health services

• System navigation is a need; connecting seniors to the services they need when they need them

• Access to health care and support services in the home

Availability of affordable quality mental health care

Current Initiatives: • Halton Region Directory of Seniors Services

provides information on community support and health services in Oakville • Seniors Services Newsletter provides information to a growing number of older

adults • Free information drop-in sessions with guest speakers addressing a variety of topics

including health-related issues are offered at Seniors Centres and the Oakville Public Library

• Agencies and organizations across the community provide a number of support services such as volunteer visiting, meals, home care, and educational programs such as fall prevention and legal advice

“Coordination is the key” Questionnaire participant

4%13%

10%

10%

47%

16%

Very Good Good

Fair Poor



Summary of Community PrioritiesThe Town of Oakville, not unlike many communities across Canada, is aging. Based on the 2011 Census, nearly one-third of the town’s population, approximately 60,000 people, are over the age of 50 years, including 13% which are over the age of 65 years. The town also continues to grow; with an increase of just over 10% from 2006 to 2011. Oakville is also seeing an increase in the number of newcomers; with about 30% of the population comprised of recent immigrants. And, while the town is home to some of the highest income earners within Halton Region, it is also home to some of the lowest household income earners across the Region.

Population health trends show that one-in-four adults in Canada are living with mental health issues and between 15 and 18% of seniors aged 65 or older require assistance with everyday living. With the aging, increasing, and diversifying of the population, the town is committed to better understanding and meeting the needs of older adults, and in turn, improving the quality of life of residents of all ages.


Summary of Community Priorities


Both the town and community partners have been effective in addressing the needs of an aging community and the general findings of this study is that Oakville is achieving a level of age-friendliness. Nevertheless, improvements in some areas are warranted if Oakville is to continue to advance. Taking steps to becoming a more age-friendly community improves the physical and social environments that support the overall health and well-being of all residents. As highlighted within this report, the town is undertaking a number of positive initiatives to support age-friendliness in Oakville in particular with respect to transportation, social participation, and accessibility standards. With these positive steps, findings from the Age-friendly Assessment point to a number current priorities. These include:

1. Improve awareness and navigation of existing programs and services • Enhance and improve information available through the town’s website • Connect, coordinate, and network with private and non-profit service providers

(formal and informal) • Identify how residents are currently accessing information

2. Create awareness of and facilitate access to affordable and accessible housing options • Explore, educate, and promote range of (affordable) housing options; such as

supportive housing options (including in-home supports), and shared housing options (i.e. HomeShare and secondary suites – Regional initiatives)

3. Continue improvements to accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces, including parks and trails • Ensure adequate crosswalk timing • Ensure roadways and sidewalks are adequately accommodating pedestrians,

wheelchairs, cyclists, and motorists • Identify areas for additional benches and rest stops

4. Enhance awareness of local transit services • Explore further local transit usage and needs among older adults/seniors

5. Enhance engagement initiatives • Outreach to new residents, individuals living alone, and residents from range of

cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds • Explore effective use of technology tools

6. Expand and create new partnerships • Connect with private and non-profit service providers, local businesses, and

academic partners; continue to enhance partnerships with the Region


The Way Forward A comprehensive baseline summary, such as the Age-friendly Assessment, is an important first step in understanding the needs and priorities of older adults in the Town of Oakville. Key principles to emerge as part of this process provide direction on issues to be considered in future planning and on the foundation needed to becoming an age-friendly community.


The Way Forward


Guiding Principles The following five principles steered the development of the Age-Friendly Needs Assessment and will guide ongoing efforts in development and implementation.

Person-centred: Town of Oakville residents and their unique experiences are central to planning and decision making

Inclusive: an accessible system of supports for individuals and families from all communities

Respectful: a community that recognizes and values all individuals

Coordinated: a collaboration of committed partners with a shared responsibility to improving the lives of older adults

Accountable: a commitment to the community to report back on initiatives and updates

Moving Forward

Moving forward towards a more age-friendly community means listening to the voices and messages of older adults and members of the Oakville community, and then acting on these results. Each stakeholder shares responsibility in taking this action. As the lead organization in the development of this study, recommendations for the town include:

1. Share results of this study with community partners to align current initiatives, and explore actions and strategies to address common barriers. Stakeholder presentations may include:

• Senior staff and Council • Chamber of Commerce • Region of Halton (i.e. Community Development Halton) • Town of Oakville Accessibility Committee • Seniors’ Working Action Group (SWAG) • Local agencies and organizations

2. Establish an internal, interdepartmental Oakville Age-Friendly Working Group to develop and oversee an implementation framework for town initiatives and ensure an age-friendly lens is applied to new projects and initiatives.

3. Develop an Age-Friendly Oakville Implementation framework identifying recommendations for action in the WHO age-friendly dimensions that pertain to town services, taking into consideration the priorities identified within the assessment. The framework should also identify key resources, potential partners, timelines, and any associated costs to the recommended actions.


4. Conduct additional research on age-friendly best practices and promising approaches from other jurisdictions. In particular, related to transportation, social inclusion, and communication. Include additional research on seniors who are socially isolated and underserved and on older adults entering the cohort.

5. Continue to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of planning for an age-friendly community. Initiatives may include:

• Participating in local events • Creating promotional material (hardcopy and web-based) • Providing an annual update to the community

The Age-Friendly Baseline is a beginning – the start of looking at the way we approach current projects and initiatives, applying age-friendly principles to their development, and enhancing the quality of life for all Oakville residents and families.


Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their contribution and commitment to the development of the Age-friendly Assessment.



Project Team Consulting Team • Christine Pacini, Partner, SHS Consulting • Jodi Ball, Principal, J Consulting Group • Karen Sabzali, Principal, PRC Solutions • Adrienne Pacini, Research Analyst, SHS

Consulting

Town of Oakville Staff Team • Nina de Vaal, Director, Recreation and

Culture • Tricia Lewis, Senior Manager,

Recreation Services • Nancy Beddoe, Manager, Adult and

Seniors Services

Age-friendly Oakville Committee • Cathy Duddeck, Councillor • Ralph Robinson, Councillor • Darlene Cox, Oakville Seniors Working Action Group and Halton Older Adult Advisory Committee • Andra Steele, Oakville Public Library, Manager, Central Oakville • Diane Childs, Manager, Policy Planning • Brad Sunderland, Policy Planner • Daniel Sadler, Accessibility Coordinator • Joanne Phoenix, Manager, Planning and Accessible Services, Oakville Transit • Janis Olbina, Manager, Park Planning and Development • Nicole Wolfe, Manager, Capital Projects • Andy Will, Information Services and Solutions • Jill Stephen, Senior Manager, Transportation Strategy • Julie Trites, Senior Communication Advisor, Strategy Policy & Communications

Interview Participants Interviews were conducted with the following groups: • Halton Region Staff (2 sessions), • Town of Oakville Staff • Centre for Elder Research, Sheridan College

Focus Group Participants The following agencies and organizations were represented in a focus group: • Oakville Seniors Working Action Group (SWAG) • Members of St. Paul’s United Church • Acclaim Health • Halton Health Care • Links2Care • YMCA Oakville • Revera Living • Amica

In addition, we would especially like to thank the more than 500 residents who completed an Age-friendly questionnaire and the over 50 residents who participated in the Age-friendly workshop.

Documents

Oakville Age-friendly Baseline Study - Welcome to the … - culture recreation... · Oakville Age-friendly Assessment | 1 Contents ... First: Ontario’s 2015 Action Plan for Health