Age-Friendly BC receives $650,000 boost

Age-friendly BC received a $650,000 grant to help local governments create environments in which seniors will be able to enjoy good health and active participation in their community. 

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.   

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. 

For more information see www.SeniorsBC.ca/agefriendly.