Communities in British Columbia can now apply for funding aimed at helping seniors’ lead independent, active lives.
“As people in B.C. age, our government has a responsibility to make sure seniors’ age with dignity and respect, and that includes having communities that are age-friendly,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I encourage local governments and Indigenous community leaders to apply for a grant that will lead to meaningful improvements locally for seniors.”
By 2031, nearly one-quarter of the province’s population will be age 65 or older. The Age-friendly BC program is facilitating independent living and community engagement among seniors by providing financial support to local governments and Indigenous communities.
In 2022, 25 communities received age-friendly grants across both streams. Of the successful communities, 13 were rural and remote, five were new to receiving age-friendly funding and four were Indigenous communities. Age-friendly projects that receive funding range from tailored housing, transportation, wellness, climate and emergency-management strategies and plans for seniors, to inclusive programs, public communications and outdoor spaces, such as parks and nature trails that ensure accessibility and safety for seniors.
The Age-friendly BC program is a partnership between the provincial government and BCHC, a province-wide not-for-profit organization that facilitates the ongoing development of healthy, thriving and resilient communities.
For more information about the Age-friendly Communities Program, visit: www.bchealthycommunities.ca/programs/age-friendly-communities.
-Submitted by Province of B.C.
