HAMPTON (GNB) – Hampton has been recognized as an age-friendly community.

“Seniors want to be able to remain in their homes and in their communities as long as possible and living in an age-friendly community supports this wish,” said Kathy Bockus, minister responsible for Seniors. “New Brunswick seniors deserve to age with dignity and in comfort.”

The Age-Friendly Community Recognition program, administered by the Department of Social Development, provides support to communities in their efforts to become age friendly. This often involves making improvements to infrastructure to increase accessibility for seniors, including with regard to transportation, outdoor spaces, and housing issues. Efforts are also made to promote social inclusion, intergenerational opportunities, and active living for all residents, particularly seniors.

The recognition program was designed to encourage communities to take sustainable action to become welcoming places for all ages and to encourage healthy aging and wellness.

Hampton is the 13th community to receive the award since the program was launched in 2017. Many other communities are in various stages of the process. In addition, several communities have been recognized for their continued efforts to maintain their age-friendly initiatives. Communities which receive recognition are required to continue this approach and must reapply every three years to maintain their status.

“We are thrilled to join a network, united in our goals to support seniors in our communities, said Hampton Mayor Robert Doucet. “Hampton is a wonderful place to reside, for all ages. We are proud to offer an age-friendly community for New Brunswickers to live in or visit.”

To receive recognition, communities must have completed four milestones which have been adopted from the World Health Organization. These are based upon community engagement and taking sustainable action and include passing a resolution; establishing an advisory committee; assessing the community; and developing and implementing an action plan.