Creating a community where growing older is supported, celebrated and connected.
About Age-Friendly Cochrane
Age-Friendly Cochrane is a community-led initiative focused on helping older adults live well at every stage of aging. Guided by local seniors, partners, and experts in health, social supports, and the built environment, the project works to improve accessibility, strengthen services, and build a sense of belonging for all.
Since 2021, the Town has engaged extensively with older adults to understand what aging well looks like in Cochrane. Public input, research, and collaboration continue to shape a long-term plan grounded in community values and local needs.
Our journey
- 2021: Cochrane completes a readiness assessment and begins early research supported by The Calgary Foundation.
- 2022: A diverse Steering Committee sets the project’s vision, mission, and principles. Town Council formally commits to the initiative.
- 2023: More than 350 residents participate in surveys, workshops, and interviews, forming the “What We Heard” report.
- 2024: A three-day Strategy Sprint produces the Age-Friendly Cochrane Action Plan. Town Council unanimously endorses the plan.
- Nov. 21, 2025: The Government of Alberta recognizes Cochrane as an official Age-Friendly Community.
Age-Friendly Action Plan
The 2025–2029 Action Plan outlines eight priority areas:
- Accessible outdoor spaces and housing
- Expanded transportation choices
- Clear, coordinated communication
- Lifelong learning opportunities
- Inclusive social spaces
- Stronger health services
- Better navigation and system support
- A safe, welcoming community for older adults
These priorities reflect what residents said matters most: staying mobile, informed, connected, and safe.
Progress already underway
Work is moving forward across multiple areas:
- Partnering with the University of Calgary to assess parks and pathways through an age-friendly lens.
- Integrating older adult perspectives into the upcoming Housing Needs Assessment.
- Expanding “It’s Not Right!” elder abuse prevention training.
- Strengthening healthcare navigation through collaboration with FCSS and local health partners.
Building an Age-Friendly future
Age-Friendly Cochrane is guided by strong community partnerships and the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities Framework. With continued Council support and phased implementation, the plan will roll out from 2025 to 2029.
A full progress review and next five-year plan will follow in 2030 as Cochrane continues its commitment to being a community where people can age well, together.