Age Friendly Communities

What does age friendly mean?

An age friendly community supports older adults to live safely, stay healthy, and remain connected and involved. It builds on the strengths of older adults and responds to their needs, helping to create a community where everyone can thrive. 

Age friendly communities value the diverse skills and abilities of older adults. By making spaces and services more inclusive, accessible, and supportive, they benefit people of all ages.

Southwestern Public Health and Age Friendly Communities

Southwestern Public Health, together with community partners, developed a 2026 Age-Friendly Strategy for Oxford County and a 2026 update the Elgin St. Thomas Age Friendly Plan. 

These strategies were shaped by community input, grounded in local priorities, and guided by a commitment to health equity so all residents can live in supportive communities where healthy aging is possible. Both strategies were informed by Age Friendly Needs Assessments completed by SWPH in 2025. 

Preventing Falls 

Older Adults in Southwestern Public Health region continue to have some of the highest fall rates leading to emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in all of Ontario. (Can we link the new FS injury report here when it is published?). 

A fall can lead to serious injuries and impact independence and quality of life. Many falls can be prevented with some proactive steps and awareness. Here are some simple tips to stay steady on your feet:  

  • Stay active: Tai chi, resistance training and activities such as yoga improves balance and strength. 

  • Make modifications to your home: Assess your environment for potential hazards such as clutter and loose rugs and ensure good lighting throughout your home. 

  • Check your medications: Review your medications regularly with your healthcare provider and/or pharmacist for potential side effects. 

  • Prioritize footwear, visual and hearing checks: proper shoes and regular vision and hearing checks all supports fall prevention. 

  • Consider assistive devices if needed: Using a cane or walker adds stability when navigating your environment.  

Community Resources

Check out these resources to find information on how to prevent a fall and assess risk, how to get up safely after a fall, and the connection to various issues such as vision, medication, chronic diseases, cognitive impairment and more. 

For more information about getting the care you need in your home and in the community: 

To learn more about fall prevention programs and community support services in your community: 

Contact Us

Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us

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