Designing age friendly communities considers a number of principles to encourage active, healthy and inclusive lifestyles.
Useful resources
Queensland Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors has a series of guides available including the:
The World Health Organisation provides a number of useful tools for age friendly cities and communities that abide by the following principles:
Participation
- Positive images of older people
- Accessible and useful information
- Accessible public and private transportation
- Inclusive opportunities for civic, cultural, educational and voluntary engagement
- Barrier-free and enabling interior and exterior spaces
Health
- Places and programs for active leisure and socialisation
- Activities, programs and information to promote health, social and spiritual wellbeing
- Social support and outreach
- Accessible and appropriate health services
- Good air/ 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 victimisation
- Public information and appropriate training
- Emergency plans and disaster recovery
- Appropriate and accessible employment opportunities
- Flexible work practices
Reference: http://www.who.int/ageing/projects/age_friendly_cities/en/