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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 Older Adult Strategy includes 64 recommendations, including 6 foundational, and 58 that relate to the World Health Organization’s domains.
8 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
20 of 64 recommendations have been acted on so far
Social participation
Goal
Guelph will offer facilities and programs that allow older adults to participate in recreational and social activities as they age
Transportation
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.
Communications and information
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.
Community support and health services
Goal
Guelph will be a community known for offering health and community services that fully support the well-being of older adults.
Housing
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
Respect and social inclusion
Goal
In Guelph, all older adults will be treated respectfully and included fully in social life.
Outdoor spaces and public buildings
Goal
Buildings and outdoor spaces in Guelph will be safe, accessible, and appropriate for older adults.
Civic participation and employment
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, policies and programs are designed, delivered and resources, where feasible, 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
- There are no events.
News
- 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
- Older Adult Strategy Progress Report: Years 1 and 2
- Older Adult Strategy Report
- Affordable Housing for Older Adults
- Age Friendly Business Checklist
- Age Friendly Guelph Vision Poster
- Older Adult Strategy Highlights
- Age 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.
Age Friendly Guelph Volunteer Application
For more information
Adam Rutherford, Program Manager of Programming and Community Development
Culture and Recreation
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2703
[email protected]