AKIRA "Learning, Listening & Collaborating"

Dedicated to building, along with the community a forward-thinking Port Alberni; by listening to concerns, supporting and advocating for change to improve the quality of lives for residents of all ages and stages of life. Inclusive communities are ageless. An Age-Friendly community is one where the physical and social environment enable people to live in a secure setting, enjoy health and continue to participate in society regardless of age. We all want equitable access to the services and places that are important to us. The Age-Friendly Communities program offers funding to incorporated Municipalities, Indigenous Governments and Communities throughout the world to support planning for changing demographics. Our population is aging and this trend is happening all around the world. Creating inclusive communities is a shared responsibility with roles to be played by various levels of government, community planners, volunteers and the business sector. AKIRA’s underlying philosophy is to help the vulnerable, educate, share information and knowledge to build a stronger community where we are all working together to improve our community. By listening, learning and working together, we can create solutions and ideas that benefit everyone’s quality of life, economically, mentally, physically and ultimately spiritually. Currently, AKIRA in collaboration with the local municipality, Port Alberni Age Friendly Committee, and Island Health is planning and facilitating the community-wide Port Alberni Age-Friendly Assessment. Motivated by the goal of networking and collaborating with local stakeholders, working groups and task forces to identify the gaps and barriers for aging and seniors-related issues.