CARP is committed to a vision of age-friendly communities across the country. As we age, our needs change, whether it be closer accessibility to stores and transportation to wider wheel chair accessible sidewalks or housing options that are close to the community.

Some things to consider include:

• What opportunities does your community offer for civic participation?
• Are there social and community events that take place during the day?
• Is there close access to a doctor or clinic?
• Are there available green spaces close by for those who have downsized to an apartment?
• Are the streets well maintained and lit properly?
• Is snow removal adequate?

You may find yourself in a community that you love but needs a push in the areas of age friendly updates.

A group of like-minded citizens may even want to start a campaign to improve the opportunities and services for elderly citizens. Sounds daunting doesn’t it?

Fortunately, the Public Health Agency of Canada has put together a complete Toolbox, which contains many practical tools and resources to help make your community more age-friendly.

It includes useful examples from across Canada of work plans, time lines, checklists, potential funders and guidelines to help you implement and assess your progress in developing your age-friendly community.

Engaging local politicians and supporters, forming an advisory committee, passing a local resolution, all items that are key for instrumenting change.

If you are interested in learning more about advocating for a more age-friendly community, please click here.