MEDIA RELEASE

Welland receives membership from the World Health Organization for Age-Friendly
July 7, 2011, Welland, ON - the Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative is pleased to announce that the City of Welland has received a membership from the World Health Organization Network to its AgeFriendly Cities Program for meeting the requirements to be considered Age-Friendly. The World Health Organization (WHO) membership acknowledges cities that meet and follow the guidelines and principles provided by the WHO to ensure that communities optimize opportunities for the overall well-being of its citizens to enhance the quality of life as people age. The Age-friendly cities program is an international effort that prepares cities for two global demographic trends: the increasingly aging population as well as an increasing urbanization. As defined by the WHO, an Age-Friendly city is an inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing. In order to become a member of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities, a city is required to undertake and implement an action plan to assess and improve its age-friendliness. The Mayor and municipal administration must then submit a letter indicating how the municipality is committed to following the guidelines of the WHO. The city must then implement a four-stage cycle demonstrating its plan, implementation, progressive evaluation and continual improvement strategies. The Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative has been working hard to bridge the gap between all ages to promote a community for all. The goal is to create safe and secure environments that foster community participation, personal health and well-being. Its mission is to raise awareness of age-friendly principles across all sectors of the community and to encourage action that respects and values the needs and interests of older adults. Its vision is to provide a caring community that optimizes opportunities for the overall well-being of people to enhance the quality of life as people age. Virginia Stewart, the Niagara Age-Friendly Initiative Community Coordinator is thrilled that the City of Welland is on its path to bridging the gap, We have been working hard to receive this membership, and now that the City of Welland has been recognized as an Age-Friendly city, it proves that we are on the right track. Virginia stressed that an age-friendly community benefits businesses, voluntary organizations and most importantly ageing adults. The Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and supported by the Niagara Region, the City of Welland, Niagara Research and Planning Council, Welland Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and the Rose City Seniors Activity Centre. The initiative is based on the principles of respect and support of all citizens, access and inclusion for all, community engagement in decision making, and livability and accountability. Visit www.who.int/ageing/age_friendly_cities_network/en/ or www.niagararegion.ca/living/seniors/niagara-age-friendly-community-initiative.aspx for more information. Media Contacts Doug Rapelje Chair of the Welland Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and Partner in the Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative 905.732.1459 drapelje@cogeco.ca Page 1 of 2

Wendy Walker Chair of the Welland Age-Friendly Community Local Action Committee 905.732.4383 gwalker@bell.net Richard Morwald
Manager, Recreation & Cultural Services P.A.R.C.S. Services

905.735.1700 x 2313 richard.morwald@welland.ca Virginia Stewart Community Coordinator Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative 905.685.7517 x 3869

Twitter: @Age_Friendly Facebook: Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative

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