What are Age-Friendly Communities?
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
Enhancing quality of life and care of older adults through partnerships in research, education and practice
Imagine getting older and not feeling safe or included in your community, experiencing difficulty accessing programs, public transit, health care, or feeling isolated and alone.
Age-friendly communities are places where people of all ages can live, work, and thrive. They’re accessible, inclusive, and connected - where older adults are valued, involved, and supported. From thoughtful transportation options to inclusive public spaces and programs, every element of an age-friendly community reflects respect and recognition of older adults' vital role in society.
How the RIA is Building Age-Friendly Communities
At the Schelgel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), we have been working alongside older adults, researchers, care partners, and organizations for more than 20 years to enhance the quality of life and care for older adults through research and innovation that’s grounded in lived experience. We don’t just study what works - we mobilize knowledge into action by equipping communities and care providers with tools that make a difference.
One of the most powerful lessons we’ve learned is that when we work with older adults to address real-life challenges, we create real, lasting, and impactful change. Since 2005, we’ve seen how investing in age-inclusive approaches —from dementia-inclusive training to intergenerational programming—creates ripple effects that benefit everyone.
Celebrate Seniors Month
June marks Seniors Month, a time to recognize and honour the contributions older adults make to our communities, families, and society. But it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges seniors may face and do our part supporting aging well and building age-friendly communities. Here are a few ways you can take part in Seniors Month:
Join an intergenerational program or senior-led initiative.
Change the culture of aging by using person-centred, inclusive language.
Help build an age-friendly community through small acts of support and kindness.
Listen to their stories on an Elder Wisdom Bench, or listen to the Elder Wisdom podcast.
This Seniors Month, remember to celebrate the older adults who shape our communities every day and recommit to building a Canada where aging is not just accommodated, but celebrated.
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Want more resources like these? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, “Aging 360,” and stay connected with what’s new in aging.
Retired RN, Grandma and listener to joys and woes of grandchildren!
3moJack Klassen and I thoroughly enjoyed our Green Bench day at St. Jacob’s Market this week! We talked to lots of shoppers, University Gates staff were fabulous and cared for us royally and, no surprise, I never stopped talking and Jack slept for two hours in the afternoon! Thanks, Schlegel Villages.👏👏