Older Adults Plan approved
July 3, 2009
Older Adults Plan approved to meet needs of a growing population segment
Recognizing the strengths that older adults contribute underlines plan's approach
Strathcona County's Older Adults Plan, approved by Council on June 30, takes a strength-based approach in building an age-friendly and caring community that values and supports its older residents. The plan promotes aging well, with the independence residents desire, by providing the right programs, services and necessary supports to meet the needs of the spectrum of older adults.
The County's Social Sustainability Framework identified the need for a seniors plan to prepare for shifting demographics. In 2005, there were 6,697 residents 65+ years of age in Strathcona County. This number is expected to increase by approximately 12,000 people in the next 12 years.
With an outlook over the next 15 years, the Older Adults Plan presents strategies to address the needs identified by our older adults, along with plans to assist those who are the most vulnerable members of this population.
"As baby boomers begin turning 65 years of age in 2011, for the first time in our history, there will be more older people than children and youth," says Mayor Cathy Olesen. "This comprehensive plan identifies many initiatives to meet the needs of the growing older adult population on many levels, from social, health, behavioural and economic, to the physical environment such as how older adults can get around in our community."
Mayor Olesen adds the plan also stresses how working in collaboration, with a shared commitment by all segments of society, will be necessary to fully support older adults.
Extensive community consultation, an analysis of Strathcona County's older adult population, and a review of other agency, provincial and federal programs and research were conducted as part of the plan's development.
From this emerged 15 goals and supporting strategies to meet needs identified. The goals highlight:
- improved coordination, information and communication about older adult services
- social connection and new local learning and skill development opportunities
- affordable and accessible housing options
- affordable, safe and accessible transportation
- universal design for new or renovated buildings
- crime prevention related to scams and home security
- volunteer work and post-retirement employment
- financial planning and subsidy programs
- social, recreational and cultural activities
- health and wellness education and advocacy
- home maintenance and home health care support services
- outreach programs for at-risk older adults and support to caregivers
- elder abuse prevention and support
Services to assist seniors to be able to stay in their home, improved access to and integration of information and communications, and development of a variety of volunteer programs for services to seniors are identified as the priorities for 2009, continuing into 2010.
"This is an important plan for our community," says Mayor Olesen. "It recognizes the wide capacity and resources among older adults. It encourages flexibility in responding to aging-related needs and promotes inclusion of those most vulnerable. Equally, the plan respects the varying individual preferences and lifestyle choices of older adults."
The Older Adults Plan
Report 7.1 Strathcona County Older Adults Plan
Presented to Strathcona County Council on June 30, 2009.
Questions about the plan can be directed to Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044.
-30-
Contact: Cathy Olesen, Mayor, 780-464-8000
Backgrounder
Highlights: Strathcona County Older Adults Plan
Older adult population outlook
In 2007, Strathcona County residents aged 65 and older comprised 13 per cent of the total population. By 2031, as a result of the baby boomer generation becoming seniors, this number is expected to increase to 25 per cent of the total population.
The Vision - Older Adults Plan
Strathcona County is an age-friendly and caring community that values the contributions and strengths of older adults, is responsive to their diverse needs and desire for choice, and provides a spectrum of opportunities for active and purposeful lives.
Top issues
Community consultation determined these top issues or barriers:
- Access to senior's housing
- Access to health care
- Rising living costs combined with fixed incomes
- Availability of personal care and home services
- Transportation
- Outreach services
- Information about programs and services
Goals and strategies
The Older Adults Plan sets 15 goals to address needs identified through comprehensive community consultation. In the plan, a number of strategies are outlined to achieve these goals.
Goal 1: Services for older adults in Strathcona County are coordinated and emerging needs are identified and addressed.
Goal 2: Older adults receive clear, user-friendly information about services and programs in a
variety of formats.
Goal 3: Opportunities for social connection are encouraged and facilitated.
Goal 4: Older adults are provided with a variety of local choices for new learning opportunities and new skill development.
Goal 5: There is a range of affordable and accessible housing options appropriate for older adults.
Goal 6: Transportation options are affordable, accessible, safe and address the diverse needs of older adults.
Goal 7: Strathcona County will follow the 'Principles of Universal Design' in the design and construction of new or renovated buildings.
Goal 8: Crime prevention initiatives will reduce the incidence of older adults impacted by scams and crime.
Goal 9: Opportunities exist for meaningful paid and volunteer work for older adults.
Goal 10: Older adults have the means to support themselves financially through retirement.
Goal 11: A variety of opportunities are available for social, recreational and cultural activities.
Goal 12: A spectrum of health and wellness programs is available to older adults.
Goal 13: Older adults are provided necessary supports to remain in their homes as long as it is safe and appropriate.
Goal 14: Vulnerable older adults and their families receive the emotional supports/interventions and advocacy they require to adjust to the changes they experience.
Goal 15: The incidence and prevalence of elder abuse is reduced; services and supports are available to assist those who are affected.
Last updated: Thursday, April 01, 2010
Page ID: 3634