Age-Friendly Community
Supporting Residents at Every Stage of Life
Lanark Highlands is a community where people choose to live, stay, and grow older. With approximately 50% of the population made up of seniors, planning for an age-friendly community is essential to maintaining quality of life, community connection, and long-term sustainability.
Frank believes that building an age-friendly community means creating a Township where people of all ages and abilities can remain active, independent, and connected.
What an Age-Friendly Community Means
An age-friendly community is a place that is intentionally designed so people can live safely, comfortably, and actively at every stage of life — especially as they grow older. The concept was popularized by the World Health Organization through its Age-Friendly Cities and Communities framework.
An age friendly community:
Supports independence
Encourages participation
Promotes health and safety
Reduces isolation
Makes services and spaces accessible
to all ages
Promotes accessible communication
Key Areas of Focus
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
Safe, accessible public spaces and facilities.
Transportation
Reliable, affordable options and safe roads.
Housing
Affordable homes that support aging in place.
Social Participation
Inclusive programs and community activities.
Respect & Inclusion
Valuing and including older adults in community life.
Civic Participation & Employment
Opportunities to stay involved through work or volunteering.
Communication & Information
Clear, accessible information in multiple formats.
Community Support & Health Services
Access to healthcare and essential services.
Why It Matters for Lanark Highlands?
In places with aging populations — like Lanark Highlands — being age-friendly helps:
Seniors remain in their homes longer
Families feel supported
Health and emergency costs decrease
Communities stay vibrant and economically stable
Attract Seniors who many consider retiring here, promoting economic growth
It benefits everyone, not just seniors. Safer sidewalks help parents with strollers. Clear communication encourages participation. Accessible buildings help people with disabilities.
What does it Cost?
NOTHING. In fact, being recognized as an Age Friendly Community opens up and enhances grant opportunities such as:
Provincial Inclusive Community
Grants
Provincial Seniors Community
Grants
Lanark County Community Grants
Is Lanark Highlands Already an Age Friendly Community?
Lanark Highlands has services and community organizations that support older adults, but becoming a truly age-friendly community begins with a commitment from Council.
The process starts with a formal Council resolution that commits the municipality to become age friendly. The resolution means:
Recognizing the importance of
supporting older adults
Families feel supported
Agreeing to develop and implement
an Age-Friendly Action Plan
Committing to ongoing evaluation
and improvement
Without council buy-in, the process doesn’t move forward. The Township needs council members who believe in supporting the well being of seniors in our community.
Looking Ahead
The future of Lanark Highlands depends on creating a community where residents can remain active, connected, and independent at every stage of life. By strengthening accessibility, community supports, transportation, and opportunities for engagement, the Township can better meet the needs of a growing senior population.
Supporting healthy aging means strengthening the future of our community.
Connect
Questions? Comments? Reach out anytime.
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A special thanks to Stationhouse Studio, a local Lanark Highlands small business, for creating this website and providing local photography.
Phone
613-879-3622