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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 thatthe City of Welland has received a membership from the World Health Organization Network to its Age-

Friendly 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 toundertake 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 engagementin decision making, and livability and accountability.

Visit www.who.int/ageing/age_friendly_cities_network/en/ orwww.niagararegion.ca/living/seniors/niagara-age-friendly-community-initiative.aspx for more information.

Media ContactsDoug RapeljeChair of the Welland Senior Citizens Advisory Committeeand

Partner in the Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative

905.732.1459drapelje@cogeco.ca

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Wendy WalkerChair of the Welland Age-Friendly Community Local Action Committee905.732.4383gwalker@bell.net

Richard MorwaldManager, Recreation & Cultural Services

P.A.R.C.S. Services905.735.1700 x 2313richard.morwald@welland.ca

Virginia StewartCommunity CoordinatorNiagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative905.685.7517 x 3869

Twitter: @Age_Friendly

Facebook: Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative

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