Creating Age-Friendly Cities: Promoting Well-being and Inclusion for All Ages

The Concept of an Age-Friendly City

An age-friendly city is a city that is designed and adapted to meet the needs of its older residents. It is a city that promotes active aging, social inclusion, and a high quality of life for people of all ages. The concept of an age-friendly city is gaining recognition and importance as the global population continues to age.

The WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

The WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities is an initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007. Its aim is to encourage cities and communities around the world to become more age-friendly by adopting a set of guidelines and principles.

The network provides a platform for cities and communities to share experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas for creating environments that support healthy and active aging. It also promotes collaboration between different stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, and older people themselves.

Key Principles of an Age-Friendly City

The WHO has identified eight key domains that contribute to the age-friendliness of a city or community:

1. Outdoor spaces and buildings: Ensuring that public spaces are accessible, well-maintained, and safe for people of all ages.

2. Transportation: Providing affordable and accessible transportation options that meet the needs of older people.

3. Housing: Ensuring that there is a range of affordable and suitable housing options for older residents.

4. Social participation: Promoting opportunities for older people to participate in social, cultural, and recreational activities.

5. Respect and social inclusion: Fostering a culture of respect and inclusion for older people, and challenging ageism and discrimination.

6. Civic participation and employment: Encouraging older people to participate in civic life and providing opportunities for employment and volunteer work.

7. Communication and information: Ensuring that older people have access to information and communication technologies, and that information is presented in a clear and age-friendly way.

8. Community support and health services: Providing accessible and integrated health and social care services that meet the needs of older residents.

The Benefits of Age-Friendly Cities

Creating age-friendly cities and communities has numerous benefits, not only for older people but for the entire population. Age-friendly cities promote social inclusion and intergenerational connections, which can help combat loneliness and isolation. They also contribute to healthier and more active lifestyles, as well as better mental well-being.

Furthermore, age-friendly cities can have economic benefits. By creating environments that support older people to remain active and engaged, cities can tap into the skills, knowledge, and experience of their older residents. This can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and economic growth.

As the global population continues to age, the concept of age-friendly cities and communities will become increasingly important. By adopting the principles and guidelines set forth by the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, cities and communities can create environments that support the well-being and inclusion of people of all ages.