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Year One Progress Report June 2014
Year One Progress Report
June 2014
Our Vision of an Age Friendly London
A diverse, vibrant, caring and healthy community, which empowers all individuals
to age well and have opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Learn more about the Age Friendly London Network? Join one of our eight working groups? Become a member of the Network?
www.london.ca/agefriendly email: [email protected]
Phone (519) 661-2500 ext 7208
Would you like to...
Age Friendly London Network Our First Year (2013-2014)
It has been an exciting first year for the Age Friendly London Network (AFLN). We now have 165 members, including representatives from 80 organizations, agencies and businesses working to implement the Age Friendly London Three Year Action Plan. This Action Plan is a road map for London’s future as an Age Friendly City and includes 37 strategies to make our vision a reality.
“A diverse, vibrant, caring and healthy community, which empowers all individuals to age well and have opportunities to achieve their full potential.”
Working groups were established and are implementing strategies in these areas:
1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Social Participation
5. Respect & Social Inclusion
6. Civic Participation & Employment
7. Communication & Information
8. Community Support & Health Services
“I’m glad to be part of this Network, and am excited to play a role in making London more Age
Friendly. It’s been very gratifying to see the amount of work the Network members have been
putting into their respective projects. We are all aging, and what we are doing here will ensure that
we can all be young at heart and more fully participate in everything London has to offer.”
Tyson Cragg Network Member
London’s older adult population is growing at
twice the rate of the overall population. By
2035, 1 in 3 Londoners will be over the age of
55.
Over 670 Londoners completed the first Age
Friendly Survey administered by
Western University, School of Health
Studies.
The Social Participation Working Group was
awarded an RBC Foundation
Collaborative Community Project
Grant.
The eight Working Groups held over 60
meetings and volunteered over
5,000 hours this year.
Our First Year ...Continued This Progress Report summarizes the work that the Network has completed in our first year. We are confident that the initiatives we have started and the partnerships we have created will continue to grow and flourish into our second year and beyond. A few of the strategies we worked on include:
Improved the age friendliness of our parks by installing benches, signs, mileage markers;
Increased opportunities for safe and active transportation by advocating for more bike paths, lanes and updated crosswalks;
Consulted on the Homeless Prevention and Housing Plan from an Age Friendly perspective;
Developed new tools to help older adults of all abilities participate in recreation programs;
Encouraged older adults to volunteer in their community;
Identified a “go-to-place” for information for older adults to get connected and find information;
Created a comprehensive list of home care supports; and,
Shared results of the Age Friendly survey.
“Having the Western
Students involved in helping
us to achieve some of our
strategies has been vital not
only for the time and
commitment they have
dedicated to the project but
for the benefit of that
intergenerational interaction
that has occurred!.
Connecting students and
seniors helps to bridge that
generation gap and gives all
a better understanding of the
ages.”
Bev Farrell
Network Member
“I am a volunteer with the
Network and I can say
unequivocally, that working
with such a committed,
focused group has been a
fascinating exercise-- from
the original plotting out of
strategic goals; the
backstory research; to the
amazing speed with which
decisions are made and
carried out. I can't say in my
working life I've seen
anything quite like it. I'm
hoping others with the same
clarity of vision and
enthusiasm will join us to
keep the momentum going--
who knows what we can all
achieve working together?!”
Charlotte Broadfoot
Network Member
We are proud to be a part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for all Londoners. We hope that you enjoy reading about our work. If you are inspired, there are many ways in which you can get involved!
We hold three Age Friendly London Network meetings a year.
Our upcoming Network meetings are Nov 5, 2014 and April 8, 2015.
“One piece with the working
group is the diversity of the
group. At least half the groups
are seniors so they do
represent the voices of older
adults. The group also
understands the complexity of
situations many are
experiencing and really wish
to make the system as easy
and accessible as possible.
They also highlight the hunger
for information.”
Patrick Fleming
Network Member
The Network
Many individual Londoners are active members of the Network and its Working
Groups. As well, many community partners support the implementation of the
Three Year Action Plan.
The Network
Outdoor Spaces
& Buildings
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Age Friendly Parks Checklist project by Western University students
15 benches, directional signage and mileage markers installed along the Thames Valley Parkway; identified an Age Friendly bench design
33 parks adopted through Adopt-A-Park program
New Adopt-a-Street and Adopt-an-ESA programs launched
Clean and Green event grew from 4 to 60 days
3 public washrooms open year round in Springbank Park and 1 in Victoria Park
New Bike and Walk map shows public washroom locations
14 public and 4 private Community Gardens; installed raised beds in 2 gardens; provided input on Community Garden Strategy
Parks By-law includes rules on e-bike usage in parks and on pathways
Accessibility design standards for public facilities updated in 2014
Age Friendly Business best practices review completed
Outdoor Spaces
& Buildings
Southwest Multi-purpose Recreation Facility Provide input on design process and older
adult program needs Age Friendly Business Establish a sub-working group to
investigate the creation of a London program
Age Friendly Parks Parks Checklist to be utilized by City of
London Prioritize parks for Age Friendly upgrades Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
evaluating outdoor exercise equipment. Develop classes for usage and make recommendations on installations in London parks.
Develop a video on how to use the trails and pathways in London.
Develop a FAQ on City Parks Community Gardens Increase number of raised beds in Community Gardens Increase number of Community Gardens
What are we working on in Year 2?
Transportation
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Held successful Town Hall Meeting to engage transit users
Advocated for the installation of cross walk upgrades in neighbourhoods with many older adults and supported more bike parking around the city
Supported Municipal efforts to lobby Provincial government for improved roundabout safety
Advocated for the improvement of bike lanes and paths
Supported the improvement of pedestrian safety at crosswalks
Confirmed older adult representation on the Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee (APTSAC)
Supported the implementation of a new car sharing program in London
Transportation
What are we working on in Year Two?
New Training Videos - Investigate the creation of new training videos for drivers on how to be safe and courteous when assisting older adults
New Communication Strategies – Investigate new opportunities including updating London Transit Commission’s Get on Board Program
Increasing language supports - Increasing language supports for people who want to use London Transit
Amenities at Bus Stops – Review existing system to improve amenities at bus stops (benches, shelters, information display etc.)
Public Transit – Investigate non-peak free or nominal fares for older adults and investigate ways to improve affordability of public transit
Bike Sharing – Investigate a bike sharing program
www.london.ca/agefriendly
email: [email protected]
Phone (519) 661-2500 ext 7208
Join Us!
Housing
Year One Highlights (2013-14)
Attended National Housing Day event to hear about 10 year Homeless Prevention & Housing Plan
Consulted on the Homeless Prevention and Housing Plan – provided input from an “Age Friendly” perspective
Investigated potential housing models and best practices and identified many housing opportunities
Consulted on the update of the Housing Directory for social and affordable housing
Housing
What are we working on in Year 2?
Updating the Housing Directory – Continue to consult on Housing Directory, including definitions and information on accessible and subsidized housing
Communication Strategy - Develop a communication strategy for the new Housing Directory
Housing Choices – The group will continue to identify and advocate for the emerging market for Housing choices, including potentially recruiting students for housing projects research
Community Housing Strategy Review – Ensure older adults participate in review and updates
Social Participation
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Developed a functionality index to help support older adult’s participation in recreation and fitness programs
Created a video encouraging social participation of older adults
Identified areas where group can support the Seniors Neighbourhood Advisory Councils (SNACs)
Expanded REXPO event to inform more older adults of recreation & leisure opportunities
Shared computer learning modules to help older adults learn to use technology
Identified barriers to participation for older adults, especially immigrant/newcomer seniors
Identified facilities that could serve as key places to get connected
Identified a number of “Doors Open” events for older adults in London
Social Participation
What are we working on in Year Two?
Senior Neighbourhood Advisory Councils (SNACs) – look into opportunities to expand SNACs to other neighbourhoods
Recreation and Leisure - Expanding Leisure Education Awareness Program (LEAP) to other groups and locations
Access to Program Information - Improve access to information on subsidies for program participation
Cultural Programs - Develop senior-led cultural programming with those who have skills to share
Isolated Seniors - Determine program and service needs for isolated older adults
Respect &
Social Inclusion
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Identified and reviewed best practices of intergenerational programs in London
Identified key contacts to develop
partnerships to implement intergenerational programming within the city
Created a video to encourage older
adults and young people to participate in intergenerational programs
Completed review of events and
awards that recognize senior accomplishments in the community
The Age Friendly Network is a
wonderful opportunity for
residents, service providers
and care givers to come
together to create grassroots
change in our city.
Each committee has benefited
tremendously from the skills,
creativity and energy of the
community members who
have been dedicated to
bringing the Age Friendly
London strategies to life.
Network Member
Respect &
Social Inclusion
What are we working on in Year Two?
Intergenerational Programs – create and expand intergenerational programs Gardening Program – Develop a gardening program to match older adults with students Family Education Sessions - Provide family education sessions on how to support aging family members Recognize Seniors’ Accomplishments – Increase profile of events that recognize seniors Mayor’s Honour List - Advocate for a senior’s category on the Mayor’s Honour List
www.london.ca/agefriendly
email: [email protected]
Phone (519) 661-2500 ext 7208
Join Us!
Civic Participation
& Employment
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Completed an inventory of existing resources in our community related to volunteerism and employment
Recruited members from key organizations representing both volunteerism and employment
Researched benefits and challenges to volunteerism
Created a video on “Benefits of Volunteering and How to Volunteer” to encourage older adults to volunteer in the community
Facilitated a report on barriers to volunteering to be addressed in Year 2
"London can be proud of its World Health
Organization (WHO) designation as an Age
Friendly City and I am delighted to share in the
delivery of strategies to ensure all Londoners have
an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful
way. In particular, our Group's creation of a key
video highlighting the benefits of volunteering
demonstrates how we can all play an active role
in enhancing our community's quality of life."
Maureen Spencer Golovchenko
Network Member
Civic Participation
& Employment
What are we working on in Year Two?
Civic Matters – Encourage senior participation in municipal elections by asking for feedback
Training Opportunities – Identify training opportunities for older adults through member organizations
Help with Employment - Improve linkages of older adults to employment agencies & possibly host Job Fair
Resource Kit for Employers –Update resources that highlight the value of older adult workers
Turn a Hobby into a Business – Develop workshops to help older adults turn a hobby into a business or to create training and mentorship opportunities
Develop Tool Kit – Develop a tool kit of strategies to assist individuals to participate in volunteerism
Communication
& Information
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Developed an “Age Friendly London” logo and guidelines for its use
Connected with Information London/ the South West Healthline /London Public Library/ Cherryhill Healthy Aging/Savvy Seniors/Seniors Helpline/ 2-1-1 to determine scope of available information
Identified the “go-to” place for seniors’ information
Consulted on publication of new Senior’s Scene, produced through the South West Healthline and Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
Recommended changes to improve readability of new Spectrum catalogue
Began collaboration with other Age Friendly London Network (AFLN) Working Groups to assist with their information needs
Researched options for improved internal AFLN communication (HealthChat identified)
Identified need for AFLN awareness materials (bookmarks)
Planning ongoing efforts to connect with agencies, organizations and individuals through events such as REXPO/Creative Age Festival to promote AFLN
Communication
& Information
What are we working on in Year Two?
Education Program – Develop an education program for older adults on where to go for information, in multiple languages
Access to Program Information-Work with organizations to improve access to program information
Age Friendly Designation for Service Providers – in partnership with Age friendly Business
Engage Local Media – Engage local television and radio to devote time for older adult programming and advertising. Engage local newspapers to provide advertising of Age Friendly activities and events.
“I have learned so much and
the network has been a
wonderful way to use my
skills.”
Cathy Du Val Network Member
Community Support
& Health Services
Year One Highlights (2013 -14)
Helped to amend the zoning by-law definition of “daycares” to include adult caregiving
Developed a broad working definition of caregiver & identified caregiver needs
Reviewed comprehensiveness of information available on the Caregiver Exchange
Investigated opportunities for respite care in London
Ongoing investigation of the operation of telephone check-in services for isolated older adults
Created comprehensive list of home care supports available
Ongoing efforts to provide better access to home support information to healthcare professionals
Ongoing investigation to develop a volunteer program for multi-lingual “system navigators”
Reviewed Senior Friendly Hospital Framework (ongoing)
Reviewed prevention and education opportunities related to health promotion through the Stepping Out Safely Partnership
Community Support
& Health Services
What are we working on in Year 2?
Better Home & Health Supports – Advocate for better home and health supports for older adults Improve Access to Healthcare System – develop a mechanism for greater integration of older adult service providers in coordination with other working groups Referral Maps - Develop referral maps for older adult service providers Education Sessions- Implement and publicize education series on how to navigate the healthcare and community support systems
Learn more about the Age Friendly London Network? Join one of our eight working groups? Become a member of the Network?
www.london.ca/agefriendly email: [email protected]
Phone (519) 661-2500 ext 7208
Would you like to...
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