Safer communities - Active Independent Aging

In this section:

•	Potential problems in your community
•	What your organization can do
•	Provide information and learning opportunities
•	Conduct neighbourhood checks
•	Reach out to your community
•	To help you create a safer neighborhood
•	Contact list - Safer communities

A walking path through a neighbourhood
What is it about your neighbourhood that invites people to be active?

Photo by Judy Kavanagh

Safer communities

By now you know that, for older adults, keeping active is an important part of being healthy and independent. Walking is the most popular way to keep active. Unfortunately, many neighbourhoods are not designed or maintained with older adults in mind. A simple walk down the street might put older adults at risk for a fall and injury. Issues related to traffic or crime may add to their sense of vulnerability. (21)

Look around! What hazards for falls are waiting for older adults in your neighbourhood? Does your neighbourhood invite older adults to be active?

This section helps you to identify potential problems in your neighbourhood and community. It also looks at ways your organization, alone or with other groups, can contribute to creating a more activity-friendly community for everyone.

Key messages

Many things in the community can be hazardous for older adults who want to walk.
Together with other groups, your organization can contribute to a safer community for active, older adults.
Safe communities invite older adults to be active.

Next: Potential problems in your community

Last modified June 29, 2004