The Age-friendly British Columbia (AFBC) Recognition Program is designed to recognize success and encourage communities to act towards becoming age-friendly. This involves taking action to meet the evolving needs of older residents, helping communities remain welcoming places that support the health, safety, and engagement of people of all ages.
- Formally recognize and reward communities in BC that have completed age-friendly work and keep track of how many communities achieve AFBC status each year
- Support and guide additional communities in BC to attain formal age-friendly recognition and keep track of how many communities are engaged in the process
- Build upon the momentum generated in BC communities about the importance of age-friendly concepts and continue to promote these across the province
- Raise awareness in communities about the needs of older residents and how changes can be implemented to support older adults’ independence and healthy, active aging
- An AFBC Provincial letter of recognition
- Access to an AFBC digital seal/logo for use on community materials and websites
- Recommendation by the Province of BC to be granted age-friendly recognition at the national and international levels, through the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) respectively
- Access to a network of other communities (domestic and international) to learn from colleagues in other jurisdictions
Encouraging communities to embed age-friendly principles into their physical and social structures is one of the most effective strategies to promote healthy aging. The AFBC Recognition Program will contribute to the improved wellness of BC’s older adults by providing local and Indigenous governments, communities, and residents with the tools, resources and support they need to keep aging populations engaged, active, independent and healthy.
Age-friendly BC Community Recognition
Communities can apply for age-friendly BC recognition through BC Healthy Communities. Four criteria are required for recognition as an age-friendly community. These include:
- Establish an Age-friendly Communities Committee or Group
- Pass a Council/District Board or Band Council Resolution
- Conduct an Age-friendly Assessment
- Develop and Publish an Action Plan
For more information on the application process, read this practical guide to becoming an age-friendly community for local and Indigenous governments, community organizations or local champions. It also describes the Age-friendly BC Community Recognition Program and outlines criteria for achieving recognition.