Durham joins World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham remains committed to creating accessible and inclusive communities where all residents—regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender or ability—feel included, respected, and enjoy a high quality of life.

As part of this commitment, Durham Region is proud to announce our membership in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

As a member of this network, Durham Region is part of a global movement of communities, cities and other sub-national levels of government that are striving to better meet the needs of older residents.

The goal of the WHO age-friendly framework is to build communities that allow people to participate fully throughout their lives. This framework follows eight areas, which the Region uses to guide the creation of age-friendly environments:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings
• Housing
• Transportation
• Social participation
• Respect and social inclusion
• Civic participation and employment
• Communication and information
• Community and health services

Since creating the Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan in 2017, the Region has promoted accessible services, facilities and communications; expanded accessible public transit services and retrofitted bus shelters; and provided age-friendly planning information, including the Map Viewer of Age-Friendly Community Assets.

The Durham Council on Aging has facilitated multiple projects, including the creation of a housing directory to assist older adults and caregivers in identifying appropriate housing options and an awareness campaign to combat negative age-related stereotypes.

View the Region’s Age-Friendly Network page or visit durham.ca/AgeFriendly for more information on age-friendly initiatives in Durham.

Quotes

“By joining the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, the Region of Durham reaffirms its commitment to better meet the needs of older residents. We are committed to ensuring our community is healthy, safe and happy for everyone and that residents may age with dignity.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, The Regional Municipality of Durham

Quick Facts

• Approximately one quarter of Durham Region residents are age 55 and older. It is expected that this percentage will rise to 34 per cent by 2031.
• Ageism is the most accepted form of social prejudice in Canada and, according to Revera and the International Federation on Ageing, has serious consequences to one’s health and well-being. 
• The Region of Durham began the age-friendly community planning process in June 2015 after receiving a grant from the Province of Ontario. This process followed the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide and input was gathered from older adults, caregivers, community organizations and Durham's eight local area municipalities.
• The Age-Friendly Strategy and Action Plan for Durham was designed using the information gathered from community engagement, as well as the eight WHO age-friendly dimensions. The Region has implemented 50 of the 67 action items from the Plan.

– 30 –

 For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.