Our Age-friendly Community Capacity Building program supports communities across the province as they plan for active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life for older adults. We provide support, expertise and resources for health authorities, local governments and other key stakeholders for build age-friendly communities.
Age-friendly Community Capacity Building is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and is directed and implemented by BC Healthy Communities.
Applying an Equity Lens in Age-friendly Community Planning
Age-friendly Communities intentionally plan to reduce inequities faced by older adults. The older adult population is a diverse group, and intersecting identities contribute to unique experiences and needs. Policies, programs and services must be developed in partnership with—and respond to the needs of—population groups most impacted by systemic inequities.
Designed to support local and Indigenous governments embarking on Age-friendly Community planning, this resource provides a refresher on the concept of equity in planning and offers ideas and guidance to help ensure equity is considered at each step of the planning process. This resource is the first release in our Age-friendly Capacity Building Series.
Age-friendly Communities Webinar
Has your community received an Age-friendly Communities Grant, or is it considering applying for one in the future?
This on-demand webinar explores how local governments can ensure their Age-friendly needs assessments and action plans will have maximum impact. The BC Healthy Communities team explores issues including equity, engagement, and evaluation, and we discuss practical approaches to allow communities to move forward with Age-friendly planning. We also help navigate some considerations related to the arrival COVID-19.
Age-friendly Communities Action Guide
This guide is for local governments of rural and urban communities across British Columbia who want to create active, healthy and thriving places for people of all ages.
The number of older adults is growing in communities across B.C., and many want to remain in place—in their homes and communities—as they age. Local governments play an essential role in supporting aging in place.
Featuring ideas and best practices from communities across B.C., as well as information on funding opportunities and resources, this guide is designed to help local governments as they work to make their communities more age-friendly.
ElderConnect is a unified, connected, community-based wellness navigation system developed in partnership with the ElderCare Foundation. By combining online and face-to-face supports, ElderConnect makes it easier to find healthy aging resources, tools, and people in your community and navigate the journey of aging with confidence.
The system consists of three key components:
- a centralized Smart Hub Platform;
- local online community portals;
- and Community Wellness Committees made up of local volunteers.
ElderConnect is a partnership between BC Healthy Communities and the ElderCare Foundation. Visit the ElderCare Foundation’s website to learn more about their healthy aging initiatives.
Visit the ElderConnect website to view the online portals for pilot communities.