City of Ottawa Older Adult Plan Consultation
Background
Ottawa’s population is growing, changing, and aging. According to the 2021 Census, 37% of Ottawa’s population is over the age of 50 and represents the fastest-growing age group, with those over 85 and over 100 showing particularly significant increases. In 2021, there were 172,150 older adults over the age of 65 in Ottawa, making up 17% of the population. There are now more older adults than children under 15, and by 2030, it is estimated that one in five adults will be aged 65 and over.
Ottawa’s population of older adults is becoming increasingly more diverse and needs vary greatly between sub-groups of seniors. While seniors face many challenges as they age, some contributing factors such as low income and living alone are most associated with increased vulnerability and, in turn, a heightened risk of poor health outcomes. Some groups, such as Indigenous, Black and other racialized seniors, older women, 2SLGBTQQIA seniors, newcomer seniors and seniors with disabilities, are more vulnerable to poor outcomes due to inequities within the social and health systems, in comparison to the general population.
Like many large municipalities in Canada and around the world, the City of Ottawa is responding to these demographic changes and has been implementing an Older Adult Plan (OAP) since 2012.
Evaluation
Staff undertook a review of the accomplishments, lessons learned, and impact of the OAP with respect to mainstreaming an older adult lens in City planning and operations, through consultations with City staff, the Seniors Roundtable members, and community stakeholders.
The evaluation of the OAP had the objectives of identifying the successes and lessons learned through the years of implementing the OAP and on sharing ideas and suggestions on how to improve its design and delivery in its future iterations.
The findings of the evaluation and a list of accomplishments related to the City’s infrastructure, programs and services, accessibility, communication, and access to relevant supports for older adults are included in the OAP Evaluation Report.
Development of a new City of Ottawa’s Older Adult Plan
Older Adult demographics, needs, and resources have changed considerably since 2012. To reflect the findings from the Evaluation Report, and to adapt to new and emerging needs from older adults, the City is engaging in the development of a new iteration of the Older Adult Plan.
We want to hear from you!
To create the new Older Adult Plan, City staff will consult with residents, community agencies, and City staff to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan.
We are seeking your input to learn about what it is like for older adults living in Ottawa.
The information you provide will inform the City of Ottawa's Older Adult Plan. The new strategy will be launched in 2025.
Your opinion matters, and we value your insights. Please complete the survey using the link provided in the survey section below. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Please note: Registered participants can save any survey progress and return at a later time to resume. However, anyone that has not registered for an account, would not be able to save their progress.
The Survey will be open until September 2, 2024.
If you have questions about this survey or the new Older Adult Plan, email olderadults@ottawa.ca
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Take Survey
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