Towards All Age-Friendliness in Mahone Bay: A Collaborative Study

Abstract

In the Now or Never: Urgent Call for Nova Scotians report, Nova Scotia communities are urged to develop local solutions to address current social and economic trends threatening their future viability. Through the Mahone Bay Age-Friendly Community Committee (MBAFCC), the town of Mahone Bay is proactively addressing some of these trends and currently identifies the need to expand the town’s age-friendliness to all ages. Adopting theories and methodologies from Participatory Action Research (PAR) this study works collaboratively with the MBACC to generate community-identified actions that can improve the town’s all-age-friendliness. Data were collected from a series of key informant interviews and a community workshop. Results from the interviews and workshop are coded and compiled. Based on findings, the community identified numerous opportunities, some of which include improving wheelchair and stroller accessibility to businesses, and developing alternative housing. The two priority areas are (i) improving communication of existing events and services, and (ii) creating a form of child care within the town potentially in collaboration within the new senior centre.