Breaking down barriers in the Village of New Minas: understanding what makes an age-friendly community

The province of Nova Scotia has both the highest proportion of older adults and persons with disabilities in Canada. Nova Scotia has a responsibility to make sure the needs of all people, but especially those who are older and living with a disability, are met. The growing number of older adults and persons with disabilities is not only occurring in Nova Scotia. This trend is also recognized by the World Health Organization, who say that the world's population is aging rapidly. Therefore, age-friendly communities, communities where people regardless of age and ability feel welcome and included, are necessary to enhance accessibility and inclusion for all. This research explored the perspectives of older adults who reside in the Village of New Minas, a rural community in Nova Scotia, to understand how New Minas can implement age-friendly practices. The results emphasized a need to improve accessibility in the built environment, such as sidewalks, the community complex centre, and the public transportation system. In addition, the participants had valuable insights on how to improve communication and community engagement within New Minas. New Minas, similar to other areas of Nova Scotia, is responding to an increase in migration to Nova Scotia and is currently working on plans to expand. Therefore, understanding the needs of older adults to create an age-friendly community will be essential as New Minas starts to expand their community.