Need for continued improvements to our communities and buildings for health

Abstract

Abstract Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Growing evidence demonstrates that key protective factors for NCDS (e.g., physical activity, healthy eating, and social connections) can be influenced through better design of and amenities in our community and building environments. Guidelines for multi-sector professionals that provide strategies for bettering these environments have proven successful in improving NCD outcomes in jurisdictions that have implemented them into policies and practices across settings. In 2023, the Healthy Community Guidelines informed by the latest evidence and multi-sector practitioner inputs are being released. There is great need to implement its strategies broadly across our cities and towns so we may create environments for better NCD prevention and management. In doing so, we have the opportunity to achieve our goals of improved NCD outcomes, life expectancies and more sustainable healthcare systems in the next decade.