Defining an Age-Friendly City
An age-friendly city is more than just a place with good healthcare; it's a holistic ecosystem designed to support healthy aging and social engagement. This concept, championed by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), recognizes that the environment plays a crucial role in determining the health, well-being, and independence of older people. It involves a fundamental shift in perspective, viewing older adults not as passive recipients of care but as active contributors to society with diverse needs and strengths.
The initiative focuses on optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security. By taking a comprehensive approach, age-friendly communities create a better living environment not just for seniors, but for people of all ages and abilities. For example, improved public transport, while vital for older residents, also benefits students, parents with strollers, and people with temporary disabilities.
The WHO’s 8 Domains of Age-Friendly Cities
To guide cities and communities in this transformation, the World Health Organization has outlined eight key domains that cover various aspects of urban life.
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
This domain focuses on the accessibility and safety of public areas. It includes:
- Well-maintained, even sidewalks with benches for resting.
- Accessible public buildings with ramps, clear signage, and automatic doors.
- Adequate, well-lit public parks and green spaces.
Transportation
Accessible and affordable transportation is critical for maintaining independence. This involves:
- Public transit options with low-floor buses and clear routes.
- Safe pedestrian crossings with sufficient time to cross.
- Easily readable bus and train timetables.
Housing
Age-friendly housing addresses a wide spectrum of needs, from aging in place to new construction. Strategies include:
- Promoting universal design principles for new buildings.
- Supporting home modification services to make existing homes safer.
- Providing a range of affordable housing options for different life stages.
Social Participation
Combating social isolation is a cornerstone of age-friendly initiatives. It promotes:
- Accessible and affordable social activities for all ages.
- Community centers and libraries offering multigenerational programs.
- Volunteering opportunities for older adults.
Respect and Social Inclusion
This domain addresses the need for a culture of respect and dignity for all ages. Actions include:
- Promoting intergenerational activities that foster mutual learning and understanding.
- Challenging ageist stereotypes and attitudes in public discourse.
- Encouraging media portrayal of older people as active and valuable members of society.
Civic Participation and Employment
An age-friendly city provides avenues for older people to continue contributing their skills and knowledge. This can be achieved through:
- Encouraging employers to adopt non-discriminatory hiring and retention practices.
- Creating pathways for civic engagement, such as sitting on local boards or volunteering.
- Promoting senior career days and job fairs.
Communication and Information
Ensuring all residents can access and understand important information is key. This requires a multi-faceted approach, such as:
- Providing information through various accessible formats (websites, large-print newsletters, social media).
- Offering technology training and support for older adults.
- Utilizing neighborhood bulletin boards and word-of-mouth for non-digital communication.
Community Support and Health Services
Accessible health services are fundamental to healthy aging. This domain covers:
- Access to home care services for those who need it.
- Well-located and accessible clinics and health centers.
- Wellness and active aging programs to promote physical and mental health.
Age-Friendly vs. Non-Age-Friendly Communities
| Feature | Age-Friendly Community | Non-Age-Friendly Community |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Options | Diverse range of accessible, affordable housing and aging-in-place support. | Limited options, often requiring seniors to relocate from their homes and communities. |
| Transportation | Integrated, accessible public transit; well-maintained sidewalks and crossing signals. | Limited or non-existent public transit; inaccessible sidewalks; unsafe crossings. |
| Social Life | Vibrant, intergenerational social activities; low-cost community programs. | Isolation is common; limited opportunities for social interaction outside the home. |
| Physical Environment | Safe, clean, well-lit public spaces with benches for resting; accessible buildings. | Dilapidated sidewalks; poor lighting; lack of public spaces for gathering. |
| Information Access | Information available in multiple formats; technology training provided. | Information primarily online, excluding those without digital access; poor communication. |
| Civic Engagement | Encourages older adults to volunteer and hold civic roles; values their experience. | Limited opportunities for meaningful participation; ageist attitudes prevail. |
The Path to Becoming an Age-Friendly Community
Becoming an age-friendly city is not an overnight process but a journey of continuous improvement. The WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities provides a framework for this process, starting with an assessment of local strengths and needs. A crucial first step is to engage older residents and key stakeholders in a dialogue to understand their priorities. Cities can then develop a strategic plan based on the eight domains, starting with manageable pilot projects to test and build momentum.
For more detailed information on the global movement and how communities can get involved, visit the official WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Ultimately, the goal of the age-friendly movement is to create places where everyone, regardless of age, can thrive. When cities adapt their services and infrastructure to meet the needs of their aging population, they become more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for all. This vision recognizes that healthy aging benefits not just older people, but the entire community, fostering stronger social ties, greater civic participation, and a better quality of life for everyone. It's an investment in a shared future where every generation can contribute and belong.
