Blog

As a response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, the 'age-friendly community' movement focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes healthy and active ageing.

Caregivers are an invaluable resource: they are expected to provide care, support, facilitate navigation through health and social systems, and advocate for their loved ones. The role of caregivers is crucial, especially during disasters and as we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the experiences of caregivers during emergencies.

The environmental benefits of urban green spaces are well known: greenhouse gas reduction, stormwater control, biodiversity conservation, and more. But did you know that urban trees are also associated with human health and well-being?

Each year, many patients, families and caregivers who interact with the health and social systems experience dissatisfaction and adverse events. Complaint mechanisms can be seen as a tool for learning and improvement. But what do we know about the nature of complaints and their effects?

It is not only individuals who are struck by disasters like a pandemic, it is entire communities that are shaken. Implementing a community resilience plan can help a community come together and overcome any disaster, while rebuilding socially, physically and economically.

Many older adults are unable to make decisions on their own, and do not have a family member or friend who can be their guardian, representative, or substitute decision-maker. These individuals are sometimes called ‘elder orphans’ or ‘unbefriended elders’. The limited body of research evidence paints a grim picture of these older adults, particularly in terms of their poor quality of life.

Climate change and rapid urbanization can increase the intensity and frequency of disasters. Many factors influence people’s ability to cope with disasters, such as age, health status, income, social support, and the communication channels used to inform them.