THUNDER BAY - Thunder Bay is a great place to grow old.
According to the World Health Organization, Thunder Bay has been recognized as an 'Age Friendly City,’ and that’s largely due to the work of a few hard-working seniors.
Age Friendly Thunder Bay, a community based stakeholder group that advocates for seniors’ independence and quality of life, is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
On Tuesday, Age Friendly Thunder Bay took some time at the Prince Arthur Hotel to look over their accomplishments, and look forward to what’s ahead.
“I think we were foundational,” said founder Mary Lou Kelley. "Foundational in the community at-large in calling attention to the issue... To really focus on senior quality of life as a social issue to be dealt with."
According to the 2016 Canadian census, the population aged 65 and over makes up about 20 per cent of the city’s population - about three percentage points higher than the provincial average.
Kelley, who worked as a social work professor at Lakehead University at the time of Age Friendly’s beginning, said she recognized the aging demographic, and wanted to help.
“When I used to teach we used to talk about ageism. I think that has greatly improved within this population.”
Kelley was involved in a study with gerontology and social work students to determine whether Thunder Bay was age friendly place to live.
She says the results of the study help establish the pillars of what drives Age Friendly to this day.
Transportation, housing options, and social inclusion, were among the greatest barriers facing seniors.
“These are the things I was interested in calling attention to in the city of Thunder Bay.”
Coun. Rebecca Johnson, who Kelley says was also instrumental in helping the organization get off its feet, spoke at the celebration event on Tuesday.
“Older adults within Thunder Bay are well-served by the organization. Now that incorporation has been realized we can stand on our own and move forward to address the issues identified by our growing senior demographic," she said.