The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is conducting an assessment in Electoral Area “I” to develop an Age-Friendly Action Plan. The assessment will run through April 2023, and aims to gather information about the community's strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement to create a more age-friendly environment. Funding has been provided through the BC Ministry of Health, BC Healthy Communities Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program.

The RDOS recognizes the importance of creating welcoming and supportive communities for people of all ages. Age-Friendly communities enable people to age with dignity, security, and good health. The assessment will focus on the eight dimensions of an age-friendly community as identified by the World Health Organization; outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services.

"The Regional District is excited to begin the age-friendly assessment this spring,” said Subrina Monteith, Electoral Area “I” Director. “The information gathered will help develop an Age-Friendly Action Plan to guide RDOS Recreation in making communities more accessible and inclusive for older adults. The Regional District encourages community members to share your thoughts and opinions on making the community more age-friendly."

The assessment will feature community engagement activities, including surveys, facilitated focus groups, and interviews with residents, caregivers, and service providers. The input gathered from these activities will be used to identify the strengths and challenges in the community. The RDOS will work closely with community partners to develop and implement the Age-Friendly Action Plan.

The online Electoral Area “I” Age-Friendly Action Plan survey is posted on the RDOS Regional Connections interactive website. Paper copies can be mailed upon request, and will be available for pick-up at the RDOS Head Office, 101 Martin Street, Penticton. The survey will be active from March 20 to April 21, 2023.

The RDOS is committed to creating an age-friendly community in Electoral Area “I” and looks forward to working with the community to achieve this goal. To learn more about the age-friendly assessment, including how to participate in community engagement activities, please visit rdosregionalconnections.ca or contact Syd Clement, RDOS Recreation Coordinator.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Subrina Monteith, Electoral Area “I” Director
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts:

Syd Clement
RDOS Recreation Coordinator
250-497-8188