The City is seeking adults age 45 and older to participate in a series of focus groups aimed at developing an Age-friendly Kingston Plan using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for age-friendly cities.
Right now, the City is seeking to build a pool of willing participants for the focus groups which will take place early in 2012. It is hoped that each focus group will consist of a group representing a full range of ages amongst those 45 and older.
“This is about creating a plan that speaks to identifying and accommodating the needs and preferences and older adults and seniors so that they can continue to fully participate in community life throughout their lives,” says Julie Salter-Keane, Accessibility Compliance Project Manager. She notes that Kingston has one of the largest populations of seniors per capita in the country.
Those interested in participating should send their names to Agefriendly@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-0000, ext. 3182. Please provide: your name, age, address and contact information. Those selected to participate in a focus group will be contacted and provided with more information.
The City and its Seniors Advisory Committee will incorporate WHO’s “Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide” in developing its plan which will address eight areas:
* Outdoor Spaces and Places
* Transportation
* Housing
* Social Participation
* Respect and Social Inclusion
* Civic Participation and Inclusion
* Communication and Information
* Community Support and Health Service
According to WHO, the population of seniors throughout the world will more than double within the next two decades.
To see the WHO Guide, go to www.cityofkingston.ca/age-friendly . For statistical information on Kingston adults age 55 or older go to www.cityofkingston.ca/seniors.
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Release source: City of Kingston | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
