Age-Friendly action is focused on eight specific areas of community life, called “domains.” Each of the eight areas contributes to creating an Age-Friendly community. Brief descriptions of each domain are below.

Thumbnail image for Outdoor Spaces & Buildings domain. Image is of an older woman and an older man sitting close together on a park bench with a dog in front of them.

The natural environment and the buildings in the community help people of all ages and abilities to get around easily & safely and encourage active community participation.

Thumbnail image for the Transportation domain. Image is of an older man in a wheelchair being lowered in a mechanical lift from a special van.

People can get around the community conveniently and safely for health, business, and social needs, or to travel to other communities for services such as health or business. 

Thumbnail image for the Housing domain. Image is of a key in a house door lock, with other keys dangling from the keyring.

Housing options suit varying needs and stages of life. These housing options are safe, accessible, and affordable, and allow people of all ages and abilities to stay independent as their needs change.

Thumbnail image for Social Participation domain. Image is of a group of people clapping at the end of a presentation. An older woman smiles and claps in the foreground.

All people have opportunities for developing and maintaining meaningful social networks in their neighbourhoods. The needs and preferences of all ages and abilities are considered in planning by local governments, agencies and institutions.

Thumbnail image for Respect and Social Inclusion domain. Image is of a younger woman smiling at an older man who is looking at a computer screen.

Public services, media, commercial services, faith communities and civil society are respectful of the diversity of the needs among citizens, including older adults, and are willing to accommodate them in all aspects of society.

Thumbnail image for Civic Participation and Employment domain. Image is of a smiling older male barber standing outside his barbershop.

Citizens of all ages and abilities can participate in community decision making and to contribute their experience and skills to the community in paid or unpaid work, or in volunteering. This includes older adults and those with varying abilities.

Thumbnail image for the Communication and Information Domain. Image is of two older women and two older men gathered around a laptop computer, smiling and chatting about what is on the screen.

People are aware of the diverse range of programs and services available within their community. The dissemination of information includes those who are isolated, have challenges with reading, or have other access challenges.

Thumbnail image for Community Support and Health Services domain. Image is of a young Black female doctor and an older White female patient smiling at each other in an examining room.

There is local access to social and health services needed to stay healthy and independent. This includes access to health services such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and public health nurses, either in the community, or with affordable transportation or online connection readily available.