How Age-Friendly is Ottawa? An Evaluation Framework to Measure the Age-Friendliness of Ottawa

Age-friendly Ottawa conducted an assessment to measure Ottawa’s age-friendliness. The assessment involved the creation of a local framework for action. Based on the assessment, we know more about the physical environments – outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, and housing – than the social environments. In fact, three of the social age-friendly areas, social participation, civic…

Started: 2016
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Sectors: Information and communication

Installation of benches

It can be difficult for many older adults to enjoy walking in Ottawa without somewhere to rest. The availability of seating areas was identified as one of the top urban age-friendly features for older people who participated in the Older Adult Plan consultations in 2011. As part of the Older Adult Plan, the City began…

Started: 2012
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Desired outcome for older people: Be mobile
Sectors: Urban development

Accessibility Design Standards and Barrier Retrofits Program

The City is committed to developing age-friendly infrastructure and has developed Accessibility Design Standards that respond to the needs of older adults. These standards are intended to be mandatory for all new construction and the redevelopment of existing facilities, owned, leased or operated by the City of Ottawa. They are intended to be applied to…

Started: 2012
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Desired outcome for older people: Be mobile
Sectors: Urban development

Computer Training Curriculum for Older Adults

As part of the Older Adult Plan consultation sessions, older adults identified a need to have increased access to computer and Internet instruction. To meet this identified need, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) developed a computer literacy curriculum for older adults. Building on computer training already provided at the Library, a course was developed that…

Started: 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Desired outcome for older people: Learn, grow and make decisions
Sectors:

Pedestrian Signal Technology

As part of the City of Ottawa’s Older Adult Plan, the Public Works Department was allocated $100,000 in 2013 and 2014, to install additional audible pedestrian signals and pedestrian countdown timers to existing signalized intersections to improve pedestrian safety for older adults.The Public Works Department identified intersections that would have the most positive impact on…

Started: 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Desired outcome for older people: Be mobile
Sectors: Urban development

Snow Angels Program

Winter is an important cause of isolation for older adults, especially when their driveways are temporarily unusable due to snow and ice accumulation. In 2013/2014, the City of Ottawa Public Works Department expanded the existing Snow Go program which matches seniors with an individual or contractor to clear snow from private driveways to include a…

Started: 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Desired outcome for older people: Be mobile
Sectors: Urban development

Community Connect Program

Evaluated

The proportion of Ottawa’s population aged 65 and older is predicted to increase to 21 per cent by 2031. Although many older adults lead healthy active lives, it is estimated that 10 per cent of older adults are isolated and at an increased risk of losing their independence. In 2013, Ottawa Public Health (OPH), in…

Started: 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Desired outcome for older people: Meet their basic needs
Sectors: Health