Community Support and Health Services

To keep older people healthy, independent and active there is a need to ensure accessible and affordable community health measures are provided to support an age-friendly community.

Cross-sectoral engagement is required to deliver age-friendly built environments since no sector alone can foster the functional ability of older people [120]. Helping older people remain active and mobile is influenced directly by sectors responsible for transport, urban planning, housing, information, health and social welfare. Using an ageing lens in planning can help create age-friendly communities, not just for the elderly but for the whole of the community [59]. Several design features are identified within the age-friendly framework as providing optimal community support and health services. The built environment should ensure conveniently located and accessible, mixed-use precincts that offer an adequate range of health care and community support services. A variety of diverse housing options, including residential care facilities, should also be co-located with services within the community.

In addition to providing built form outcomes, there is a need to provide enabling and relevant services. Convenient access to health services information is as essential as providing the service.

These services should be provided by well-trained staff that are respectful and able to administer a simple and effective process. Economic barriers to services should also be continually reduced.

Importantly, emergency planning should take into account the vulnerabilities and capacities of older people.