A New Brunswick mayor is encouraging other communities in the province to become age-friendly.
Hampton recently became the latest municipality to receive the age-friendly community designation.
Mayor Bob Doucet said the length process, which took about three-and-a-half years, was well worth it.
“You have the opportunity to get input from the seniors and focus on the seniors more than you regularly would. It just makes things better for your community,” Doucet said in a recent interview.
The Age-Friendly Community 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.
Administered by the Department of Social Development, the program 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.
Doucet said becoming part of the program is something Hampton had been considering for a number of years.
“Our previous mayor talked to another mayor who said that they were designed age-friendly and he thought that’s the way we should go,” he said.
Since the program launched in 2017, a total of 13 communities have received the designation. Many others are in various stages of the process.
The province said several communities have also been recognized for their continued efforts to maintain their age-friendly initiatives.
Communities which receive recognition are required to continue this approach and must reapply every three years to maintain their status.
Doucet said he hopes the designation will help attract more seniors to live in the community.
“Hampton is a wonderful place to reside, for all ages. We are proud to offer an age-friendly community for New Brunswickers to live in or visit,” he said.
You can find more details about the program online.
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