In 2021, Chatham-Kent had a higher proportion of people aged 65 and older (23.6%) compared to Ontario (18.5%). Additionally, the rate of population change for people aged 65 and older is increasing in Chatham-Kent: from 2006 to 2011 there was an 8% change while from 2011 to 2016 there was a 15% change. We expect that the senior population in Ontario will almost double, from 2.3 million in 2016 to 4.6 million in 2041.

By addressing the needs of older adults and seniors, we can also address the needs of other populations, for example pregnant women, parents with children in strollers, individuals with injuries or those recovering from surgery, people of any age with sight, hearing or mobility issues, and people with limited English. An age-friendly community allows people of all ages to participate fully in community activities and treats everyone with respect.

Age Friendly Chatham-Kent (AFCK) bases its activities on dimensions developed by the World Health Organization: civic engagement, community support and health services, housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, social participation, and transportation. AFCK integrates the principles of respect and social inclusion, and communication and information into its action plans for these six dimensions. AFCK is governed by the Age Friendly Community Advisory Committee of Council, which is informed by a Senior Advisory Committee. The Senior Advisory Committee includes representatives from the community, service providers and senior centres.

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