Environmental health approaches to age- and dementia inclusive communities

Built environments for healthy aging: Environmental health approaches to age- and dementia inclusive communities

NCCEH Healthy Built Environment Webinar

January 15, 2026

Speakers:
Habib Chaudhury, PhD
Professor, Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University
And
Emma Avery, MA Urban Geography
Urban Planner and Communications Specialist, Happy Cities

The built environment plays a critical role in shaping quality of life and population health by influencing mobility, social participation, safety, and access to essential services. As Canada's population ages, there is a growing need to plan age-friendly and dementia-inclusive neighbourhoods where people of all ages and abilities can meet daily needs and participate in community life close to home. Research shows there are specific planning and design strategies that can improve health outcomes for older adults and people living with dementia—whose needs are often not captured by broader age-friendly plans.
This webinar will share key findings from the Age- and Dementia-Inclusive Neighbourhood Guidelines, developed by Happy Cities and the DemSCAPE Project at Simon Fraser University. The session will highlight evidence-based planning and design strategies that promote physical, mental, and social well-being that link urban design decisions with health outcomes for older adults and people living with dementia. Participants will also explore Canadian and international case studies showing how local governments are embedding age and dementia inclusivity within their built environment initiatives, advancing broader goals around climate resilience, accessibility, active living, and health equity.