News Release

Age-Friendly Edmonton Wants Us to Live Happier, Not Just Longer

Age-Friendly Edmonton is helping residents stay engaged and happy no matter what stage of life they are in.

Led by the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, Age-Friendly Edmonton is a partnership of 50 organizations committed to building a city that values, respects and actively supports the well-being of seniors.

“Edmonton’s senior population is expected to double by 2041, with one-third of city residents being age 65 and up,” said Councillor Andrew Knack at an event showcasing the work of Age-Friendly Edmonton. “Today’s event celebrates the progress Age-Friendly Edmonton is making to ensure we all have a good quality of life as we age in Edmonton.”

Age-Friendly Edmonton supports seniors in nine key areas: community support services, health services, communication and information, social and recreation, respect and inclusion, transportation, civic participation, housing and outdoor spaces.

The Age-Friendly showcase event was birthday-themed to highlight how the groups are working to keep the “happy” in all of our birthdays as we age.

“Today’s More HAPPY Birthdays celebration highlights the work Edmontonians are doing to build a city that values, respects and actively supports the well-being of seniors,” said Sheila Hallett, Executive Director of the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council and co-lead of Age-Friendly Edmonton. “Age-Friendly Edmonton is working to ensure seniors continue to enjoy Edmonton’s high quality of life and have the opportunity to connect, contribute and be valued.”

In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed Edmonton into the global network of cities committed to creating age-friendly cities. Edmonton City Council passed the Edmonton Seniors Declaration that same year, and a year later, approved the Vision for an Age-Friendly Edmonton.

“The Vision for an Age-Friendly Edmonton was created with input from Edmontonians,” said Brenda Wong, Seniors Coordinator with the City of Edmonton. “We’re working hard to achieve specific goals in the nine key areas that will improve the quality of life for Edmonton seniors today and in the future. We believe that building a city that is friendly for seniors is a city that is friendly for all ages.”