- Joined
- Sep 25, 2007
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- 201
Hi all,
This article is from the June 13th edition of the Vancouver Sun. Excerpts:
Our cities are in the early stages of a "revolution" in urban design, dramatic change driven by the needs of ever-increasing numbers of aging citizens.
From strategically placed benches to special training for bank tellers, cities around the world are innovating for their elders -- and Canada is leading the way.
Canadian cities top a North American-wide ranking of the best retirement locations; British Columbia is pushing to make all of its cities senior-friendly in time for the 2010 Olympics; and experts from across the country will meet in Ottawa next week to develop a report card that will measure cities` elder-friendliness.
Such changes will make cities more livable for everyone, experts argue.
"We`re way ahead of most of the other countries," said Elaine Gallagher, director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria.
"Almost everything that goes toward creating an age-friendly city also benefits other residents, whether it be accessible public transport, safe environments, pedestrian-friendly environments [and] access to social services," said John Beard, director of WHO`s Department of Ageing and Life Course.
New York City is aiming to be another leader in this "revolution," Maryanne Schretzman, family services co-ordinator for the city, told reporters at a recent workshop.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Life/Aging+cit...3207/story.html
Keith
This article is from the June 13th edition of the Vancouver Sun. Excerpts:
Our cities are in the early stages of a "revolution" in urban design, dramatic change driven by the needs of ever-increasing numbers of aging citizens.
From strategically placed benches to special training for bank tellers, cities around the world are innovating for their elders -- and Canada is leading the way.
Canadian cities top a North American-wide ranking of the best retirement locations; British Columbia is pushing to make all of its cities senior-friendly in time for the 2010 Olympics; and experts from across the country will meet in Ottawa next week to develop a report card that will measure cities` elder-friendliness.
Such changes will make cities more livable for everyone, experts argue.
"We`re way ahead of most of the other countries," said Elaine Gallagher, director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria.
"Almost everything that goes toward creating an age-friendly city also benefits other residents, whether it be accessible public transport, safe environments, pedestrian-friendly environments [and] access to social services," said John Beard, director of WHO`s Department of Ageing and Life Course.
New York City is aiming to be another leader in this "revolution," Maryanne Schretzman, family services co-ordinator for the city, told reporters at a recent workshop.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Life/Aging+cit...3207/story.html
Keith