Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan now available

Whitby, Ontario – The Region’s Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan is now available on durham.ca in an easy-to-read format. The plan establishes a common vision for Durham as a community that values, respects, and supports the well-being of all residents, regardless of age or ability.

“Durham’s aging demographic creates opportunities for innovative planning, service delivery and public engagement,” says Roger Anderson, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Together, our goal is to make Durham a community where all residents feel included, respected, and enjoy a high quality of life.”

In an age-friendly community, the design of policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment support and enable “active, healthy aging”.

“We are committed to ensuring older adults are actively engaged in all aspects of social and civic life, and the Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan will help guide the direction of Regional services over the next five years,” says Garry Cubitt, Chief Administrative Officer.

An effective age-friendly strategy provides the foundation for a strong and vibrant community where older adults remain active, enjoy better health, and are more engaged and informed. Durham’s strategy and action plan provide a roadmap to guide the Region, and inform the work of other community stakeholders, ensuring that decision-making reflects and responds to the needs and lived experience of older adults.

The Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan lays the foundation for a co-ordinated approach among the Region, the eight area municipalities, and the community in order to plan for Durham’s older adult population (age 55 and older). The strategy and action plan is the product of a collaborative effort, involving community stakeholders and input from more than 1,700 individuals and 20 community organizations.

To view the strategy and action plan, along with the interactive Age-Friendly map, designed to help residents locate seniors’ services, community facilities and programs, visit www.durham.ca/AgeFriendly.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.