Adding life to years
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City of Temiskaming Shores


City of Temiskaming Shores

Committed To Becoming More Age-Friendly

City of Temiskaming Shores  Canada
Print this page City population: 992030.7 % over 60

In 2015, an Age Friendly Community committee was initiated to include stakeholders representing interests related to the eight pillars of age friendly environments. An assessment was completed and a Plan developed based on these findings. The Plan was subsequently endorsed by City Council. The ‘GetActive!’ program (funded through a provincial initiative) has been well received by the community. The program seeks to reduce barriers and encourage local older adults to take part in existing physical activity opportunities in addition to introducing new activities to the area. An additional provincial funding program has been used to provide free, accessible transportation to reduce barriers for older adults participating in designated local events. The funding has been used to facilitate ‘Travel Training’ programs for older adults in an effort to encourage residents to be more comfortable in using public transportation. A ‘SipNLearn’ program was developed to address the need of distributing accurate information in an informal setting to older adults. The program is continuing on a once per month basis due to ongoing popularity. A local ‘Community Services Guide for Older Adults’ has proved to be very successful and has addressed an identified gap. Over 1000 physical copies have been distributed in both French and English and the guide is also available online. Strategically placed park benches have been installed throughout the community as a result of the findings of the assessment where older adults noted the lack of seating in specific public spaces. A gap was identified regarding access to transportation services. To address this gap, a 1-800 number was advertised throughout the community as a singular number to call to reach accessible transportation for older adults. Through the ongoing work of the Age Friendly Committee, the community continues to be engaged and focused on the needs of older adults in Temiskaming Shores.