Age-Friendly Community Project

 Age Friendly Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan

Dufferin County, working in collaboration with urbanMetrics inc., is implementing an innovative, flexible and proactive approach to planning for the dynamic needs of the growing population of local older adults (55+ years of age) and their caregivers.  The County is committed to becoming an age-friendly community that is supportive and inviting for citizens of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The purpose of this Age-Friendly Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan is to identify and incorporate age-friendly community policies, practices, features, programs, and initiatives required to meet the existing and future needs of older adults in Dufferin County.

Similar to many communities across Ontario, the proportion of older adults in Dufferin County has been increasing significantly over the past decade and is expected to continue at a rapid pace over the next decade, creating increased demand for older adults' programs and services. Dufferin County's Age Friendly Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan is being undertaken to ensure that older adults in Dufferin County are appropriately recognized and have access to the programs and services they require to stay active, healthy, and engaged in the local community.

Dufferin County's Age Friendly Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan is intended to align with the eight dimensions of an age-friendly community, as defined by the World Health Organization. These eight age-friendly dimensions include: Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect & Social Inclusion, Civic Participation & Employment, Communication & Information, Community Support & Health Services, and Outdoor Spaces & Buildings.

A key factor in the success of this was identified as the involvement of the Older Adults Advisory Committee.  Interested candidates were asked to submit a letter and resume expressing their interest and contributions to the project.

View the full Age Friendly Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan here.