{"id":13372,"date":"2016-04-12T08:06:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-12T12:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=13372"},"modified":"2016-04-12T08:06:27","modified_gmt":"2016-04-12T12:06:27","slug":"is-huntsville-an-age-friendly-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/is-huntsville-an-age-friendly-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Huntsville an age-friendly community?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Town staff have been given the go-ahead to investigate ways for Huntsville to become an age-friendly community.<\/p>\n

The idea came out of the now-defunct Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a good conversation about what we have for the people in our community who are older or retirees,\u201d said Councillor Dan Armour. \u201cWe thought it would be a good opportunity to review what we offer and get more people to come and retire to our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Town\u2019s Executive Director of Community Services, Kari Lambe, added that it\u2019s possible to become a certified age-friendly community.<\/p>\n

The Ontario Seniors\u2019 Secretariat identifies the eight key features of an age-friendly community as:<\/p>\n

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  1. Outdoor spaces and public buildings are pleasant, clean, secure and physically accessible<\/li>\n
  2. Public transportation is accessible and affordable<\/li>\n
  3. Housing that is affordable, appropriately located, well built, well designed and secure<\/li>\n
  4. There are opportunities for seniors to participate in leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities with people of all ages and cultures<\/li>\n
  5. Older people are treated with respect and are included in civic life<\/li>\n
  6. There are opportunities for employment and volunteerism that cater to older persons\u2019 interests and abilities<\/li>\n
  7. Age-friendly communication and information is available<\/li>\n
  8. Community support and health is tailored to older persons\u2019 needs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    An age-friendly community is also one that:<\/p>\n