Age-friendly Communities

Why Should My Community Become Age-friendly?

The world’s population is rapidly aging, and British Columbia is no exception. By 2031, close to 1.5 million British Columbians across the province will be over 65—almost a quarter of the province’s population.

Around the globe, communities are getting ready to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities of an aging population.

Everyone benefits in an age-friendly community

• Older adults are supported to age actively, enjoy good health, and remain independent and involved in their communities.
• People of all ages, cultures, identities and abilities benefit from safer, barrier-free buildings and streets, better access to local businesses and facilities, and more green spaces.
• Businesses benefit from the increased support and spending power of older customers, and are better able to support older workers.
• The community benefits from the increased participation of older adults in community life.

What is an Age-friendly Community?

The creation of age-friendly communities in British Columbia builds on the following projects and reports.

1.  Findings from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-friendly Cities project, which produced:

• Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (PDF)

2.  The Canadian Age-Friendly Rural and Remote Communities project, which resulted in:

• Age-friendly Rural and Remote Communities: A Guide (PDF)