Local municipalities recognized as Age Friendly Milestone Communities
Last week the RM of Argyle as well as the RM of Prairie Lakes were both awarded certificates indicating they had initiated the criteria to allow them to be recognized as Age Friendly Milestone Communities!
Don Fletcher, retired CEO of the Reh Fit Centre and currently an Age Friendly consultant, was onhand to present the certificates as well as to award a $2,500 cheque to each.
The original Age Friendly model was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007.
According to the Age Friendly Manitoba website, in keeping with the WHO model, “an Age-Friendly community offers environments where physical, economic, and social barriers are removed and policies, systems, services, products and technologies are implemented to create better places in which to grow, live, play, and age.”
As population aging and urbanization rapidly progress worldwide, making our cities and local communities more age-friendly is crucial to maximize and embrace the opportunities offered by longer lives. This can only be achieved by improvements in relation to communication, social participation, interaction and inclusion, accessible buildings including housing, health services and community support, as well as safe and accessible outdoor spaces.
The Province of Manitoba is now committed to formally recognizing communities that have made positive changes and have outwardly and publicly moved to address the following milestones, referred to as the “Milestone Approach to Action”.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MILESTONE
Establish an Age- Friendly Committee that includes the active engagement of older adults.
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL RESOLUTION MILESTONE
Secure a local municipal council resolution to actively support, promote and work toward becoming Age-Friendly.
ACTION PLAN MILESTONE
Establish a comprehensive and concrete plan of action that includes a community consultation developed with older adults.
PUBLIC AWARENESS MILESTONE
Demonstrate commitment to action by publicly posting the action plan.
MEASURING OUTCOMES MILESTONE
Commit to measuring activities and reporting publicly on action plan outcomes.
It is only after these above steps have been completed that a community can request official recognition from the province.
Establishing Age Friendly Communities means effectively embracing and supporting aging populations, helping to ensure our family and friends will be able to age in the safety and comfort of their home with familial support in place.
PHOTO CAPTION: Age Friendly Manitoba consultant Don Fletcher (centre of photo) presented a cheque and certificate to RM or Argyle Councillor Alan Skardal and Recreation Director Colleen Vanwynsberghe, along with members of the RM of Argyle Age-Friendly committee. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
