Age-friendly Peterborough Plan

Strategic directions

A diverse housing supply

Diversifying the housing stock in our region will provide the infrastructure necessary to support aging in place.

Appropriate housing choices

Ensuring a diversity of housing choices can support older adults to select and transition to appropriate housing as needed.

Supports to age in place

Providing a range of supports, including home maintenance and in-home care, can help older adults to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Health care on time and in place

Increasing the availability and coordination of health care across the region will enhance older adults' ability to access appropriate and timely care.

Diverse community support programs

Community support programs that go beyond primary health care recognize and respond to the unique needs of older adults.

Enhanced support services for vulnerable older adults

Some older adults, especially those living in poverty, may benefit from specific programs and services to help them as they age.

Current activities

Health and Housing Navigation Study*

The goal of the Study is to improve awareness of and access to housing and health resources now and into the future for our aging population. Age-friendly Peterborough will use these resources to assist local seniors, their care-givers, and families to find the appropriate health services and housing accommodations so they may stay in their homes as long as possible.

Strategic directions

Affordable and flexible rural transportation options

Rural transportation options help older adults access services, and take part in social activities, supporting them to remain in their community of choice as they age.

Improved public transit in the City of Peterborough

Reliable, affordable, accessible, and convenient public transit systems increase older adults' mobility and ability to travel independently in the community.

A safe and well-maintained road network

Well-maintained roads with enhanced safety features can support older adults to travel safely and confidently throughout the region.

A Safe, well-maintained, and connected active transportation network

Active transportation infrastructure supports people to remain active as they age.

Adequate, accessible parking

Accessible parking can enable older adults to complete daily tasks, run errands, and easily access services.

Complete community design

Communities that include a mix of housing, services, and recreation spaces support older adults to remain in their community of choice as they age.

Current Activities

Walkability Assessments*

The purpose of the Walks is to identify physical features in a specific area, such as a stretch of sidewalk or municipal park, which may be barriers for older adults to use and enjoy. The Walks also identify opportunities of enhancement to these areas that would improve the accessibility and enjoyment of the area by older adults.

Transit Training

The goal of the Transit Training program is to improve the mobility of older adults by increasing their ridership on Peterborough Transit. This will be done by increasing awareness of transit and reducing barriers to the service.

Rural Transportation Initiative

The Township of Selwyn will receive a 5-year grant of $1.488 million starting in 2019 from the Ministry of Transportation to implement a rural transportation program that services the Township of Selwyn, Curve Lake First Nation and the City of Peterborough. Community Care Peterborough is also a partner in this program.

Strategic directions

Vibrant downtown commercial areas

Commercial areas that are accessible, vibrant, and welcoming can support older adults to engage in the social, civic, and economic lives of their communities.

Age-friendly parks and community facilities

Parks and community facilities that include age-friendly amenities and features can support older adults to remain socially connected and active as they age.

Outreach to isolated older adults

Older adults may experience periods of social isolation; outreach and engagement programs can support these individuals to re-engage in their communities or mitigate the negative effects of isolation.

Intergenerational programming

Fostering intergenerational connections can support older adults to build and maintain lasting relationships and dispel myths and misperceptions about aging and older adulthood.

Diverse representations of aging

Recognizing the diversity of individuals' identities and experiences as they age creates an inclusive environment for older adults of varied cultures, races, genders, sexual orientation, abilities, and economic circumstances.

Age-friendly businesses

Businesses with accessible features and age-friendly customer service will empower older adults to confidently purchase services and products.

Current activities

Age-friendly Business Program

The goal of this Program is to improve and increase the experiences older adults have with local businesses and organizations. Important factors that help make a business age-friendly include: better customer service, accessibility enhancements, and more employment opportunities.

We want older adults to have improved access to the local goods and services they need while increasing the customer base and revenue of local businesses.

Digital Story Telling

This project will see older adults make short 2-3 minute digital videos with the objective of bringing life experiences and stories to video and the world of aging. It is anticipated that these stories will begin to shift stereotypes of aging.

This is a research project being led by Dr. Nadine Changfoot, professor in Political Studies at Trent University.

Combating Isolation Initiative

Isolation is being recognized as a serious social and health issue facing a growing number of older adults. Age-friendly Peterborough is taking initial steps toward developing a strategy for combating isolation in partnership with local service providers who work in this area.

Strategic directions

Accessible public meetings and events

Accessible meetings and events support older adults to remain active and engaged as they age.

Support for volunteerism

Well-coordinated and well-promoted volunteer opportunities can help older adults identify and engage in roles that align with their skills and interests.

Diverse and flexible employment opportunities

Flexible employment opportunities support older adults to remain employed in appropriate roles as they age.

Transparent and participatory decision-making

Transparent and participatory decision-making processes empower older adults to contribute their unique perspectives, experiences, and skills to decision-making processes.

Access to information

Making information readily accessible in a variety of formats will help older adults obtain the information they need to remain engaged and informed.

Life-long learning opportunities

Providing education and learning opportunities for older adults allows individuals to continue to learn and grow as they age.

Diverse social and recreation opportunities

Access to a variety of social and recreational opportunities can support older adults to remain socially engaged as they age.

Current activities

Summit on Aging

The Summit on Aging is our annual one-day conference that provides an educational experience addressing issue related to aging. Past Summits have focused on topics including: dementia; healthcare and technology; metal well-being; and housing. In 2019 we are focusing on legal and medical issues.

Seniors Showcase

The Seniors Showcase is an annual event where we bring together over 100 business and organizations to promote their products and services related to aging. We also host many workshops on topics important to aging. At past events workshop topics have included: being good to your brain; Tai Chi; medical assistance in dying; depression and anxiety; decluttering; and chair yoga to name a few.

The event takes place every June at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre in partnership with the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

Age-friendly Report*

This program will develop videos that explore important issues related to aging. The videos will educate on key topics, showcase local services relevant to the topics, and encourage engagement of local seniors on the topics. Once complete, the videos will be broadcast on YourTV (formerly Cogeco) and online through social media.

Recreation, Leisure, and Facilities Study*

This main goal of this study is to develop a strategy that will lead to improved access, awareness, and participation among older adults in the recreation and leisure opportunities available in the City, County, Townships and First Nations. This strategy is scheduled to be ready in June 2019.