Heart Foundation Healthy Active Ageing animation - Heart Foundation

Summary

As populations age globally, communities must rethink how they support older adults. Healthy active aging promotes physical activity, well-being, and social engagement across the lifespan, benefiting society both economically and socially. By applying an aging lens to planning, sectors such as transport, housing, health services, and social welfare can better meet the needs of all residents. The World Health Organization’s eight domains of age-friendly communities highlight key areas including social participation, respect, inclusion, and civic engagement. Cross-sector collaboration and evidence-based planning, supported by resources like the Healthy Active Aging module, help create environments where older Australians can thrive safely and confidently.

Takeaways

• 👵 The global population is aging, and older adults are making up a growing proportion of society.
• 🏃 Healthy active aging benefits both individuals and society economically and socially.
• 🩺 Health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan are essential for an aging population.
• 💪 Healthy active aging focuses on increasing physical activity and well-being among older Australians.
• 🌏 Planning with an aging lens can improve transport, housing, health services, and social welfare for all.
• 🤝 Encouraging lifelong activity helps people remain engaged and healthy into old age.
• 🚶‍♂️ The WHO’s eight domains for age-friendly communities include transport, outdoor spaces, housing, and more.
• 💬 Some domains, like social participation, respect, civic engagement, and information access, may be less familiar to built environment professionals.
• 🏘️ A cross-sectoral approach to planning and design is necessary to deliver positive health outcomes for aging communities.
• 🧭 Healthy active aging enables older adults to navigate environments safely, maintain social connections, and stay physically active.
• 📚 Professionals can access resources from Healthy Active Aging to inform best practice planning and improve walkability.
• 🎯 The Healthy Active Aging module was created by the Heart Foundation and funded by Sport Australia to support better aging.

Q & A

Why is it important to focus on healthy active aging in communities?

Focusing on healthy active aging benefits society economically and socially, as older adults who remain active and engaged contribute positively to the community, while also supporting their own health and well-being.

What is the main goal of healthy active aging?

The main goal is to increase the physical activity and well-being of older adults, while promoting a whole-life approach that encourages people to remain active throughout their lifespan.

How does planning with an 'aging lens' benefit the wider community?

Using an aging lens in planning improves transport, urban housing, health services, and social welfare in ways that benefit everyone, not just older adults, by creating more inclusive and accessible environments.

What are the eight domains of an age-friendly community defined by the World Health Organization?

The eight domains are: 1) Outdoor spaces and buildings, 2) Transport, 3) Housing, 4) Social participation, 5) Respect and social inclusion, 6) Civic participation and employment, 7) Communication and information, 8) Community support and health services.

Why might some of the WHO age-friendly domains be less familiar to built environment professionals?

While professionals are often familiar with domains like transport and housing, areas such as social participation, respect and social inclusion, and civic engagement may be less known, requiring cross-sectoral collaboration to address effectively.

What role does cross-sector collaboration play in promoting healthy active aging?

Collaboration across sectors ensures that planning and design initiatives deliver enriched, positive health outcomes, addressing physical, social, and community needs comprehensively.

How does healthy active aging help older people navigate their environment?

It enables older adults to safely and confidently move through the built environment, maintain social connections, and engage in physical activity, supporting their independence and well-being.

What resources are available for professionals and advocates to support healthy active aging?

The Heart Foundation has developed the Healthy Active Aging module, funded by Sport Australia through the Movado Better Aging Grants Program, which provides guidance on best practices and improving community walkability.

How can healthy active aging influence urban design and planning?

By considering the needs of older adults, urban design can improve accessibility, walkability, public transport, housing options, and social spaces, creating communities that are inclusive and supportive for people of all ages.

Where can one access the Healthy Active Aging module online?

The module can be explored at the Heart Foundation’s Healthy Active by Design website: https://healthyactivebydesign.com.au

Why is a whole-life approach important in promoting health across the population?

A whole-life approach emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention at every stage of life, ensuring that individuals are better prepared for healthy aging and reducing future healthcare and social costs.