PROVINCE NAMES NEWEST AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY - NB

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – Miramichi has been recognized as an age-friendly community. Miramichi is the 14th community to receive this designation since the program was launched in 2017.

Many other communities are in various stages of the process. In addition, several communities have been recognized for their continued efforts to maintain their age-friendly initiatives.

Communities that receive recognition are required to continue this approach and must reapply every three years to maintain their status.

“Seniors have been telling me they want to stay in their homes for as long as they can, ” said Kathy Bockus, minister responsible for seniors. “Having another agefriendly community in this province helps us make that happen.”

To receive recognition, communities must have completed four milestones, which have been adopted from the World Health Organization. These are based upon community engagement and taking sustainable action and include passing a resolution; establishing an advisory committee; assessing the community; and developing and implementing an action plan.

The recognition program was designed to encourage communities to take sustainable action to become welcoming places for all ages and to encourage healthy aging and wellness.

“We are so proud and so thrilled to be the newest age-friendly community in New Brunswick,” said Paddy Quinn, deputy mayor of Miramichi. “Our seniors are the heart of our community, and we want to make sure they have the tools they need to live healthy lives as they age.”

The Age-Friendly Community Recognition program, administered by the Department of Social Development, provides support to communities in their efforts to become age friendly. This often involves making improvements to infrastructure to increase accessibility for seniors, including with regard to transportation, outdoor spaces and housing issues. Efforts are also made to promote social inclusion, intergenerational opportunities and active living for all residents, particularly seniors. More information about the program is available online.

15-02-24

MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Howland, communications, Department of Social Development, rebecca.howland@gnb.ca.