Premier Christy Clark announced the launch of Age-friendly BC, a $650,000 grant and recognition program to help local governments create environments in which seniors will be able to enjoy good health and active participation in their community.

"An age-friendly community is where older British Columbians are supported to live active, socially-engaged and independent lives," said Premier Clark. "We are working with local governments and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to provide $650,000 in grants and award local efforts to create communities where people of all ages and abilities feel valued and included throughout their life."

Age-friendly BC is built around three key components: recognition, support and information. To be recognized as an Age-friendly BC community, local governments can apply to show that they have met criteria that focus on seniors' engagement, commitment, assessment and action. Through a partnership with UBCM, a grant program of $650,000 in funding from the Province of B.C. has been created to support local governments in taking these steps.

The Age-friendly BC website contains a new guide and other information to help communities achieve each step to become more age-friendly. This resource package will also be printed and sent to local governments.

"This program will help ensure the province continues to excel in seniors care by making communities more age-friendly," said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health Ron Cantelon. "By supporting communities, we are supporting seniors and ensuring they live active, healthy lives."

The age-friendly concept came from an international study conducted by the World Health Organization and a Canadian study that looked at rural and remote communities. An age-friendly community provides welcoming public spaces, accessible transportation, affordable housing options and employment and volunteer opportunities. Age-friendly communities also provide information and services which fit the needs of seniors. Older people are respected participants in an age-friendly community.

"Local governments are adjusting their approach to community design and program delivery to keep pace with aging populations," said UBCM President Barbara Steele. "The additional funding provided by the government of B.C. will support local government efforts to create age friendly communities."

Achieving Age-friendly BC status will link communities around the province to a broader network of national and international age-friendly communities.

This initiative builds on work underway in British Columbia to make communities more inclusive to seniors. It will strengthen components already in place and will help communities take new actions in creating healthy, vibrant communities throughout British Columbia.

The Province of B.C. is recognized as a leader in Canada in supporting the creation of age-friendly communities since 2007. In June, B.C. launched Creating an Age-friendly Business in BC, a guide for businesses to address the needs of older customers and employees.

The Province supports a variety of ways to help older British Columbians remain healthy, active and connected in their communities. Healthy Families BC, a new comprehensive health promotion program, will help families, including seniors, make healthy choices and lead healthier lives.

For more information see www.SeniorsBC.ca/agefriendly

Media contacts:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

BACKGROUNDER

Quick facts:

• Almost one-sixth of B.C.'s population is over 65 years old. The number of seniors is doubling from 676,000 to an estimated 1,324,000 over the next 20 years.
• The fastest-growing segment of B.C.'s population is those over 75.
• In the next 25 years, the number of B.C. residents over 75 is projected to increase by 130 per cent, from under 317,000 to over 730,000. B.C.'s population is expected to grow only 33 per cent in that time.
• Local governments that plan to accommodate the needs of older residents can ensure a liveable, attractive and thriving community for people of all ages.
• For older people, living in an age-friendly community can help them continue to lead active, independent, and healthy lives.
• The benefits of an age-friendly community reach beyond seniors and will enhance the health, safety and participation of all residents.
• Illness, disability and loss of independence are not inevitable consequences of aging.
• Engaging in healthy lifestyles can prevent, minimize or even reverse poor physical and mental health in old age.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help the health care system by reducing the need for health and social services.

Media contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)