Grant: Operating Grant: Voluntary Sector Knowledge Mobilization Support Grant

According to the 2023 Canadian Survey on Disability, 40% of Canadians 65 years and older live with a disability. Mobility is the second most prevalent type of disability among older adults. While regular physical activity has been shown to enable successful aging by substantially limiting the development and progression of chronic disease and disabling conditions, the older adult population is largely inactive. One subgroup, in particular, identified to be ‘at-risk’ for being physically inactive are older adults with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are at greater risk of social isolation, with a lack of accommodating programming and access issues further exacerbating inequity issues. Age and disability-friendly initiatives can support lifelong physical activity for people of all abilities so that they may reap the many social, mental health, and physical benefits. An important enabler to increased physical activity and social engagement is the availability and accessibility of opportunities to be physically active, particularly in the neighborhoods where people live. Recently, the use of neighbourhood public spaces has received attention, as is seen in the growing fields of placemaking and tactical urbanism. Activate Your Neighborhood (AYN) is a recent Canadian initiative through the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) where community members are encouraged to use the AYN Tactical Guide to re-imagine, re-purpose and expand their imaginations to support and encourage physical activity and social connections. The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD) will partner with Active Aging Canada (AAC) to expand the project by enhancing the information in the AYN Tactical Guide to support older community members who identify with a disability. Content will be developed for individuals, and leaders who support and promote community well-being (E.g., recreation professionals). The information will provide information about how to increase accessibility and adapt spaces and activities for older adults, particularly those with a disability.