Niagara, Network

The AFNN comprises over 450 people who have an interest in an age-friendly Niagara. These Network members have joined the AFNN distribution list to receive updates on Age-Friendly Community (AFC) developments in Niagara and other related matters of interest to older people, those who work with older people and other stakeholders in the community.

The AFNN was formed to ensure that AFC work in Niagara is strengthened and continues to grow. The AFNN is coordinated by the Network Leadership Council, made up of volunteers, many of whom are older adults active in their community, and others representing government, not-for-profit organizations and businesses.

From 2017 to 2019, the AFNN, with backbone support provided by Niagara Connects, is coordinating the initial phase of implementing the Niagara Aging Strategy and Action Plan (NASAP, 2015). Three action groups consist of people working together to advance strategies across three focus areas:

1. Community engagement and communications
2. Recreation, learning & leisure
3. Improved services, systems and infrastructure

In May 2019, the Network participated in the inaugural meeting of the Ontario Association of Councils on Aging and the AFNN Leadership Council approved the AFNN joining the Association as the Network moves forward to becoming a Niagara-wide council on aging.

Respect & Social Inclusion

• Media Articles Published that Focus on Older People
• Business of Ageing Niagara Network (BANN connects businesses, industry leaders, and subject matter experts in a forum to discuss business opportunities and to share information and ideas about diversifying their markets and expanding focus to benefit older customers)
• Candidate Brief (Two-pager sent to all incumbents and candidates asking them to be informed about the contributions older adults make within our community, celebrate the ways in which Niagara has already made progress towards becoming age-friendly and consider what they can do to help champion this work)

Civic Participation & Employment

• Third Age Leadership (Partnership with a core group of representatives that is working toward the goal of inspiring and creating opportunities for older people in Niagara to contribute to the community through meaningful civic engagement and volunteering)

Communication & Information

• Age-Friendly Network Newsletter
• Age-Friendly Niagara Network Website: www.agefriendlyniagara.com
• Forum for Municipal Seniors and Age-Friendly Advisory Committees
• Niagara Wide Forum (Will provide updates on developments in research on aging, options for affordable housing, and engage people in ways to strengthen Age-Friendly action in local communities)

• Niagara Aging Strategy and Action Plan 
• Niagara Aging Strategy & Action Plan Toolkit (2015) 
• Implementation Template (2015) 
• Project report (2015)
• Implementing the Niagara Aging Strategy and Action Plan (NASAP): Focus Action Priorities 2018-2019