In an episode of the popular Netflix show
Grace and Frankie
, Frankie (played by the formidable Lily Tomlin) is navigating a world built for speed over safety alongside her friend Margaret, who is experiencing mobility challenges. Frankie and Margaret, as pedestrians in their later years, face the daily gauntlet of impatient drivers and short crosswalk signal times.
Frankie brings the municipal authorities out to reevaluate the timing of the crossing signal to make it more suited to older people and those with mobility challenges. While her advocacy on the show is successful, changes to Canada’s built environment are slow, few and far between.
It’s time Canada built cities and towns for an aging population. A thoughtfully and intentionally designed built environment can significantly impact the well-being and independence of everyone –
.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) age-friendly cities framework highlights the need for features like longer crosswalk signals to make aging in the community easier and more accessible. A great example is
Singapore’s Green Man Plus Scheme
, which prioritizes pedestrian safety.
Imagine a busy intersection. Those in need of longer crossing times can tap their regular transit card on a reader near the traffic light. That tap activates “Green Man Plus,” extending the crossing signal time. Over 1,000 crossings across Singapore are equipped with Green Man Plus, offering peace of mind for countless residents.
The good news is that Canada is moving toward the global trend of finding ways for
older people to stay at home longer
. The National Seniors Council of Canada recently released a report on
supporting Canadians to age at home,
recommending expanding support for age-friendly communities and investing in safe and innovative options designed to help older persons to age in their community of choice.