Features

Last updated on May 16, 2022

Age-friendly communities have many characteristics in common. Look around your community and use the following features checklist to see how age-friendly it is and where there could be improvements. The following features of age-friendly communities stem from the World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities and the Canadian Age-friendly Rural & Remote Communities projects. Please note that the B.C. language below has been updated to be inclusive.

1. Outdoor spaces and buildings

Does the natural and built environment help older adults get around easily and safely in the community and encourage active community participation?

2. Transportation (including road safety)

Can older adults travel wherever they want to go in the community, conveniently and safely?

3. Housing

Do older persons have housing that is safe, equitable and affordable and which allows them to stay independent as their needs change?

4. Social well-being and participation

Do older adults have opportunities for developing and maintaining meaningful social networks in their neighbourhoods?

Are the needs and preferences of older adults considered in planning by a diverse range of agencies and institutions?

5. Respect, social inclusion, and cultural safety

Are services, media, commercial services, faith communities and civil society respectful of the diversity of needs among seniors and willing to accommodate older adults in all aspects of society?

6. Community engagement & employment

Do older adults have opportunities to participate in community decision making?

Do older adults have opportunities to contribute their experience and skills to the community in paid or unpaid work?

7. Communication & information

Are older adults aware of programs and services available within their community?

Is information readily available, appropriately designed and delivered to meet the needs of older adults?

8. Community support, and health & wellness services

Do older adults have access to social and health services they need to stay healthy and independent?

Related Information

Communities everywhere can find out:

How to Become Age-friendly

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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