The specific focus of studio was to produce visions of age-friendly human environments. In 2011, the first of the baby boom generation retired, its corresponding population bubble will rise to the top of population charts. Baby boomers are known as a well educated, vocal generation that have high expectations for the lives that they lead. But there are questions about whether the environments they inhabit are prepared for this impending demographic change, and whether they meet the needs and desires of older adults in general.
Unfortunately, none of Manitoba’s cities and town can claim to be age-friendly. However, programs like the Age-friendly Manitoba Initiative and the Age-friendly Communities - Active Aging Alliance have attempted to change this. More that 100 municipalities, towns and cities expressed interest in the Provincial program and established committees and working groups to address concerns.
This studio examined three different small Manitoba centres to determine how age-friendly they are: Carberry, Minnedosa and Neepawa. It studied precedents for improving the physical form and services available and accessible to older adults in other places. And finally, it illustrated how to improve the age-friendliness of the three study locations.
