the city of cambridge is age-friendly certified
The City of Cambridge is a member of the World Health Organization Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
For more information, contact Kim Cusimano at cusimanok@cambridge.ca or 519-740-4681 ext4433
1. Transportation
Transportation a key factor influencing active aging, and it impacts other areas such as access to community and social supports, and inclusion. Public transit system is good for some things but difficult to use for medical appointments or if you cannot plan a trip in advance. Accessibility and cost are barriers for some people in accessing public transportation.
In a truly age friendly community, not having a car or not being able to drive is not a barrier to maintaining a high quality of life.
2. HOUSING
Housing is essential to safety and well-being. Where we live is more than just a roof - it’s a home. Older adults want to age in place, but also in the right place for their individual circumstances. Waiting times to access housing must be addressed as well as the availability and affordability of appropriate housing, and housing with supports.
3. community HEALTH SERVICES & SUPPORTS
Health and support services are essential to maintaining active aging and aging in place. This includes a wide network of services from hospitals to family support, home care and community organizations.
4. RESPECT & SOCIAL INCLUSION
All residents should be able to participate fully in society without facing barriers due to age. There were mixed results on this issue in the 2011 needs assessment, depending on the individual and their personal experience. Sometimes respondents said they felt respected and included and other times they experienced a lack of consideration from others. The amount of respect and inclusion people experience as they age is tied to their quality of life and social participation.
5. ACCESS TO INFORMATION
All residents should be able to participate fully in society by staying connected to events, people and activities and accessing information.
It is vital to our quality of life to be able to find and use the information we need. The rapid evolution of communication technologies can be both a useful tool and a format for exclusion. All information should be communicated in a manner that can be readily and easily accessed.
2022
Cambridge joins WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities
After 13 years of advocating by CCOA, the City of Cambridge will be part of a growing global movement of communities, cities and other sub-national levels of government that are striving to better meet the needs of older residents.