Healthy Aging in Canada:Opportunities for Action

Centre for Health PromotionDivision of Aging and Seniors

25th Annual Spring Research SymposiumUniversity of Manitoba Centre on Aging

May 5, 2008Winnipeg, Manitoba

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The Vision of Healthy Aging

Mutual AidSupportive

Environments

SelfCare

Selected Areas

of Focus

• Social

Connectedness

• Physical

Activity

• Healthy Eating

• Falls Prevention

• Tobacco

Control

Guiding

Principles

• Dignity

• Independence

• Participation

• Fairness

• Security

These five focus areas and principles are the first to be addressed. Other areas (e.g., elder abuse, income disparities, literacy and lifelong learning) may be addressed later or in other collaborative strategies in advancing healthy aging.

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Age-Friendly CommunityEnables all ages and abilities to age actively:

• Live in security, enjoy good health, participate in society

Building blocks include:

• Policies and services

• Physical environment (settings, structures)• Social environment

• Benefits all ages

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1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

2. Transportation3. Housing4. Respect & Social

Inclusion

Essential Features

of Age-Friendly Cities

5. Social Participation6. Communication & Information7. Civic Participation & Employment8. Community Support & Health Services

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Age-Friendly Collaborating Cities

AMERICASArgentina, La PlataBrazil, Rio de JaneiroCanada, HalifaxCanada, Portage La PrairieCanada, SaanichCanada, Sherbrooke Costa Rica, San JoseJamaica, KingstonJamaica, Montego BayMexico, CancunMexico, Mexico CityPuerto Rico, MayaguezPuerto Rico, PonceUSA, New YorkUSA, Portland

AFRICAKenya, Nairobi

EUROPEGermany, RuhrIreland, DundalkItaly, UdineRussia, MoscowRussia, TuymazySwitzerland, GenevaTurkey, IstanbulUK, EdinburghUK, London

EASTERN MEDITERRANEANJordan, AmmanLebanon, TripoliPakistan, Islamabad

SOUTH-EAST ASIAIndia, New DelhiIndia, Udaipur

WESTERN PACIFICAustralia, MelbourneAustralia, MelvilleChina, ShanghaiJapan, HimejiJapan, Tokyo

Credit: BC Ministry of Health

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The Age-Friendly Canada Rural and Remote Initiative

Source: The Healthy Children, Women & Seniors Branch, BC Ministry of Health.

Bonnechere, ON

Alert Bay, BC

Lumby, BC

High Prairie, AB

Turtleford, SK

Gimli, MB

Bonnechere, ON

Port Hope Simpson, NL

Clarenville, NLAlberton, PEI

Guysborough, NS

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One Country, Many Identities

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Older Adults and the 2010 Games

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Thank You !

Jim Hamilton

Special Advisor, Healthy Aging

Public Health Agency of Canada

Division of Aging and Seniors

email: Jim_O_Hamilton@phac-aspc.gc.ca

phone: (204) 789-7410