Local governments can now apply to have their efforts in creating supportive environments for their community’s seniors recognized.
The Age-friendly British Columbia community recognition program is offered in partnership with BC Healthy Communities and rewards a commitment to local initiatives, which allow seniors to enjoy good health and active participation in their community. To be eligible, communities must complete four steps:
o Establish an age-friendly advisory or steering committee, which includes the active participation of older adults.
o Pass a local council or district board resolution to actively support, promote and work toward becoming an age-friendly community.
o Conduct an age-friendly assessment in consultation with older adults.
o Develop and publish an action plan.
Successful communities will receive a poster celebrating their efforts and $1,000 to help provide an age-friendly legacy project or celebration.
Communities will also be required to implement an age-friendly action plan and monitor age-friendly progress by measuring and reviewing activities, and reporting publicly on action plan outcomes.
Applications for age-friendly recognition will be accepted through Jan. 4, 2013. Successful applicants will be notified in the spring of 2013. For more information on how your community can apply for age-friendly recognition, please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/agefriendly