I have learned a
lot in this course about older adults living in Canada; particularly in the
North and in First Nations communities. Through reading the thoughts, ideas,
and concerns of my fellow group members I have learned a great deal more than I
would have through my own writing. The blogging assignment was effective in that
it gave voice to everyone’s individual perspective so that as students we could
understand how others perceived similar issues.
Canadians face a
number of challenges as they age. With the increasing number of older adults in
Canada, it will be essential to create communities that are not defined by age but
supportive of it. Health services, infrastructure, financial security, and
community awareness are necessary in supporting the rising number of older adults
across Canada. I wanted to wrap up the course on a positive note. I would like
to share an initiative for “age friendly communities” that I think is quite beautiful
in its intention.
The World Health
Organization (WHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada have presented a
united front in building age friendly communities. The foundation of this
community building project is based on the concept of active ageing which
involves creating the infrastructure and social inclusion that supports the
process of ageing. Reaching these goals involves awareness building and strategic
planning at the local level in various cities and communities. Active ageing is
determined by a number of key factors in the community such as economic,
social, personal, behavioural, and physical determinants as well as health and
social services (Plouffe, 2011). As individuals we can contribute to making our
own communities age friendly by being aware of our own biases about older
adults and by working to develop positive relationships to the individuals who
are ageing in our community.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who
has shared their thoughts, research, and creativity throughout the semester!
-
Kayla Tessier
References
Plouffe, L. (2011). Age-friendly cities and
communities: WHO and Canadian initiatives. Public
Health Agency of Canada. Retrieved from http://www.queensu.ca/sps/events/conferencesandworkshops/qiisp/201112/videospresentations/LouisePlouffe.pdf
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