The Older Adult Plan

IRPP - Age-Friendly Communities in Ontario

Nov. 5, 2013
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Presentation
1.
2.
3.
4.
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6.
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Demographic Context
Background
Introduction to the Older Adult Plan
Actions
Key Success Factors
Key Considerations and Challenges
Questions
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Demographic Context
Seniors population in Ottawa is expected to more than double in the
next 20 years (to reach 254,000 seniors by 2031)
Approximately 7,800 Ottawa seniors live in rural areas, representing 8%
of the total seniors population
Majority live in central areas of the city fastest growth is expected in
suburban and rural areas
Median total income is 32% higher than provincial average and 48%
higher than Canadian average, however approximately 7,000 live on
low income

Population Growth by Age Group, Ottawa, 2011-2031

Impact of Baby Boomers
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
2011-2016

2016-2021
45-64

65-74

2021-2026
75-84

85+

2026-2031

Background
2009 Council motion to create an Older Adult Plan for the City
of Ottawa
2011 Older Adult Plan made a Term of Council Priority (20112014)
2011 Council approved $500K operational budget to implement
Plan initiatives starting in 2012
2012 Older Adult Plan approved by Council
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Purpose of the Older Adult Plan

To plan and implement concrete actions to
assist the City to effectively serve and be
responsive to the specific needs of older
adults today and in the future.

Approach Older Adult Plan

1.
Background
Research

2.
Consultation
with older
adults

3.
Development
of Older
Adult Plan

CITY OF OTTAWA
OLDER ADULT PLAN

The Older Adult Plan (OAP)

Focuses on areas that are within City mandate
Introduces a vision for an age-friendly Ottawa in 8 strategic
areas with 74 concrete actions
Includes a budget of $500,000 to implement actions, plus
additional funding for transit enhancements
Has a 2012-to 2014 timeframe - with future updates
Developed with community, City staff and partner input
Part of WHO Age Friendly Cities Network

OAP Actions
Supports for vulnerable (on low income and/or socially isolated)
older adults
Dental screening and urgent dental treatments to over 600 low income
older adults

Pedestrian safety improvements

6 pedestrian crossings retrofitted; improved snow clearing

Health promotion and active aging

5 additional community locations for Ottawa Public Health (OPH)
programming; Community Connect Training; CPR Train the Trainer

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OAP Actions
Caregiver supports
Caregiver Resource and e-learning module

Services within City-operated residential facilities

Implemented a staff awareness program specific to gay and lesbian longterm care residents

Communication service access

older adult web portal on ottawa.ca; Older Adult Service and Activity
Guides; Meet Your City Services events; older adult eSubscription

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OAP Actions
Access and use of public transit
Over 100 additional Travel Training passes to agency trainers and
trainees; introduced rural taxi and shopping bus initiatives

Accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces

Retrofitted a library (entry and washrooms); installed 24 benches ;
retrofitting City facilities with door openers and grab bars

Staff training and awareness raising

Older Adult Staff Awareness Day

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Success Factors
Council priority
Designated champion within City structure
Equity and inclusion as a planning framework
Financial commitment
Age Friendly Ottawa partnership joint application to
the WHO Network of Age Friendly Cities
Seniors Roundtable with political representation
Early wins, community outreach, media attention

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Considerations and Challenges

Political champions to create and maintain momentum
Sharing successes among all stakeholders
Creating and maintaining ongoing partnerships and
leveraging resources
Engaging other levels of government, community
partners and the private sector
Sustainability of community efforts

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QUESTIONS?

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