June 08, 2006
Portage la Prairie has been selected as one of only two Canadian communities for the Global Age-Friendly Cities project sponsored by the World Health Organization, Theresa Oswald, minister responsible for seniors, announced today.
"Manitoba is proud to bring this unique international project with its focus on seniors and their role in a healthy community to Portage la Prairie," said Oswald. "The initial phase of the project will explore the ability of seniors to live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate in society. These areas of focus are a great fit for our province because they directly reflect Manitoba’s own priorities for seniors."
As the United Nations’ agency for addressing international health issues, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated the Global Age-Friendly Cities project to look at challenges facing seniors as they age such as:
continued participation in all aspects of the community;
access to activities, programs, services and information that promote health and social and spiritual wellness; and
access to various supports, services, resources and practices that enable seniors to maintain their lifestyle, security and independence.
Portage la Prairie, was chosen along with Saanich, B.C., as one of only two Canadian cities to participate in the international research project. Other countries include Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Germany, India, Mexico, Lebanon, the United States, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom.
"Portage la Prairie is ideally suited to be a participant in this plan to focus on aging," said Ian MacKenzie, mayor of Portage la Prairie. "It has been chosen as one of ten ideal places in Canada to retire to and has a vibrant senior citizens community. Portage la Prairie has hosted the Manitoba Senior Games and this summer will be host to the National Canada Seniors games. We feel that the participation of our community members will enhance the study by the World Health Organization."
As part of the initiative, the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging led by Dr. Verena Menec will conduct local focus groups representing seniors, caregivers, business, community leaders and seniors’ organizations in the Portage la Prairie area to gather input on what qualities make a community age-friendly. Funding, in the amount of $13,000, will be provided by the province to support the focus group research in Manitoba.
WHO will compare and synthesize the information gathered in Portage la Prairie with results gathered in 13 other pilot cities around the globe in order to create age-friendly city guidelines for use around the world.
"As the percentage of older people living in cities, large and small, in both the developed and the developing world increases, it is critical to focus on urban settings if their quality of life is to be ensured," said Dr. Alex Kalache, chief, WHO Aging and Health Programme. "This is the objective of the World Health Organization Age-Friendly Cities project which has been made possible through the generous support and leadership of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Province of Manitoba."
"It is important that our communities are designed in a way that allows seniors to be active to help maintain their health and contribute fully to society," said federal Health Minister Tony Clement. "The federal government is pleased to have funded the overall co-ordination of this important international project and congratulates Portage la Prairie for its participation and leadership role in representing our country as one of the two age-friendly pilot project sites in Canada."
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The number of people 60 years old or more worldwide will double from today’s 600 million to 1.25 billion by 2025.
This number will increase to two billion by 2050.
One million people worldwide turn 60 every month and 80 per cent of these live in developing countries.
Approximately 157,000 Manitobans (14 per cent of the population) are aged 65 years and older.
This total is expected to increase by 43 per cent over the next 20 years.
Manitoba has one of the highest per-capita populations of seniors in all of Canada.
In 2021, it is expected that 33 per cent of Manitobans will be 55 years of age and older.
The majority of seniors live in homes or communities that have not been designed with their needs and capacities in mind.
The World Health Organization is defining an age-friendly community in terms of the participation, health, security and independence available to seniors.
Participation:
positive images of older people;
accessible and useful information;
accessible public and private transportation;
inclusive opportunities for civic, cultural, educational and voluntary engagement; and
barrier-free and enabling interior and exterior spaces.
Health:
places and programs for active leisure and socialization;
activities, programs and information to promote health and social and spiritual well-being;
social support and outreach;
accessible and appropriate health services; and
good air and water quality.
Security and independence:
appropriate, accessible and affordable housing;
accessible home-safety designs and products;
hazard-free streets and buildings;
safe roadways and signage for drivers and pedestrians;
safe, accessible and affordable public transportation;
services to assist with household chores and home maintenance;
supports for caregivers;
accessible stores, banks and professional services;
supportive neighbourhoods;
safety from abuse and criminal victimization;
public information and appropriate training;
emergency plans and disaster recovery;
appropriate and accessible employment opportunities; and
flexible work practices.
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