It is projected that by 2031, Guelph will have almost 53,000 adults aged 55 years and older,
representing 30% of all residents. That’s close to 23,000 more older adults than in 2011! The
impact of this demographic shift on the design and delivery of municipal services presents both
opportunities and challenges.
In November 2012, City of Guelph Council approved the Goal, Vision and Guiding Principles of an
Older Adult Strategy (OAS). The Strategy was developed based on extensive consultations, using a
framework consistent with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Dimensions of Age-Friendliness.
Guelph is committed to becoming age-friendly in each of these areas. The OAS includes 64
recommendations, including 6 foundational, and 58 that relate to the WHO domains.
World Health Organization
- Transportation
- Housing
- Respect and social inclusion
- Social participation
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information
- Community support and health services
- Outdoor spaces and public buildings
recommendations have been acted on so far.
Goal
Guelph will offer facilities and programs that allow older adults to participate in recreational and social activities as they age
Goal
Older adults in Guelph will have access to a range of public, private and community-run transportation services and are accessible, safe and affordable.
Goal
In Guelph, older adults and those who care for them will have easy access to comprehensive, timely and clear information regarding services and supports relevant to them.
Goal
Guelph will be a community known for offering health and community services that fully support the well-being of older adults.
Goal
For older adults in Guelph, housing is available, affordable and supported sufficiently to allow them to choose where they will live as they age
Goal
In Guelph, all older adults will be treated respectfully and included fully in social life.
Goal
Buildings and outdoor spaces in Guelph will be safe, accessible, and appropriate for older adults.
Goal
Guelph will be a place where older adults can contribute to the health of the economy and the community by actively participating in paid and unpaid work.
Goal
“Guelph is a great place to live and age well”
Vision
Guelph is an age-friendly community that:
- Values and supports older adults
- Optimizes opportunity for choice, independence, and quality of life
- Celebrates diversity
- Is inclusive of all, reducing inequities
Guiding principles
The City of Guelph will ensure that all services, polices and programs are designed, delivered and resources, where feasable, using the following guiding values and principles:
- participation and inclusion of all citizens
- respect and dignity
- active engagement in communication and decision making
- access to a safe living environment
- fairness and equity
- self determination and choice
Age friendly projects
- The Bench Project
- The Gatekeeper Project
- Reflections on Aging
- Age Friendly Businesses
- Resources on the Go!
Upcoming events
Latest updates
News
-
- Venture Guelph – June 2016, Age-friendly Guelph article (page 1): “Older adults find ally with Age Friendly Guelph”
- Venture Guelph – August 2016, Age-friendly Guelph article (page 6): ‘Is your business Age Friendly?’
- Venture Guelph – Novemeber 2016, Age-friendly Guelph article (page 3): ‘Better with age – Artful Aging Exhibition to feature local perspectives on getting older’
- Bench Project helping to make Guelph age-friendly
- A case for businesses to help mobilize Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)
- Advance care planning
- Guelph Transit Town Hall
- Ageism? Isn’t age irrelevant?
- Age-friendly businesses in Guelph
- Caring for our older adults is everyone’s responsibility
- Polypharmacy and multiple medications for seniors
Resources
2 MBOlder Adult Strategy Progress Report: Years 1 and 2Older Adult Strategy Report2 MBAffordable Housing for Older Adults439 KBAge Friendly Business Checklist265 KBAge Friendly Guelph Vision Poster130 KBOlder Adult Strategy Highlights431 KBAge Friendly Guelph Terms of Reference
Volunteer
Contact Becky MacDonald, Volunteer Coordinator, by phone at 519-823-1291 extension 2019 or in person at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, to discuss volunteer opportunities with Age Friendly Guelph
168 KBAge Friendly Guelph Volunteer Application
Contact
Manon Germain
Age Friendly Guelph Project Specialist,
519 823 1291 extension 2691
manon.germain@guelph.ca
Twitter @AgingGuelph