What is the age friendly community network?

According to the World Health Organization, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years old will nearly double by 2050. This demographic shift makes understanding what is the age friendly community network more critical than ever, as it provides a proactive framework for cities and towns to prepare for an aging population.

Quick Summary

The age friendly community network is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO), supported in the U.S. by AARP, that connects cities committed to creating environments that are accessible and supportive for people of all ages.

Key Points

• WHO-Led Initiative: The age friendly community network is a global program established by the World Health Organization to help cities prepare for an aging population [1].

• Eight Livability Domains: The network addresses eight key areas including transportation, housing, and social inclusion to create supportive environments [1].

• AARP's U.S. Role: In the United States, AARP manages the national network, providing resources and guidance to local communities [2].

• Beyond Senior-Specific Programs: The network focuses on systemic, community-wide changes that benefit people of all ages, not just seniors [1, 2].

• Resident Participation is Key: The process of becoming age friendly involves significant input and participation from older residents and community volunteers [2].

• Long-term Commitment: Membership requires a multi-year process of assessment, planning, and implementation, ensuring sustainable, lasting improvements [1, 2].

Origins and Purpose of the Network

Originating from the World Health Organization (WHO), the age friendly community network was established in 2010 to encourage cities and communities worldwide to address the challenges and opportunities of an aging population [1]. In the United States, AARP spearheads the national effort, guiding cities, towns, and counties through the process and providing resources to help them succeed [2].

The Eight Domains of Livability

The age friendly model is built on eight interdependent domains of livability that influence the health and quality of life for older adults [1]. These pillars serve as a comprehensive checklist for communities to evaluate and improve [1]:

• Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Safe, accessible, and clean recreational areas and buildings [1].
• Transportation: Safe and affordable options, including public transit [1].
• Housing: A range of affordable and accessible options [1].
• Social Participation: Opportunities for engagement in social, cultural, and recreational activities [1].
• Respect and Social Inclusion: Fostering multigenerational interactions and combating ageism [1].
• Civic Participation and Employment: Opportunities for work, volunteering, and policymaking [1].
• Communication and Information: Accessible information through various channels [1].
• Community Support and Health Services: Access to affordable health clinics and homecare [1].

The Process of Becoming Age Friendly

Joining the network involves a structured, multi-phase process [2].

1. Commitment: Elected leadership submits a formal application and letter of commitment [2].
2. Planning: A committee conducts an assessment and develops an action plan [2].
3. Implementation: The community executes its action plan [2].
4. Evaluation: Progress reports are submitted [2].

Benefits of an Age Friendly Community

A community participating in the age friendly network creates a more inclusive and resilient community for all [2]. Benefits can include improved public health, enhanced social cohesion, and a stronger local economy [1, 2].

Age Friendly vs. Senior-Specific Initiatives: A Comparison

It is helpful to distinguish the comprehensive, multi-generational approach from more narrowly focused programs [1].

Feature	Age Friendly Community Network	Senior-Specific Initiatives
Target Population	All residents	Primarily older adults
Scope	Comprehensive, community-wide	Focused on specific programs
Focus	Proactive, systemic change	Reactive, addressing existing needs
Sustainability	Embedded into community planning	Can be temporary
Goal	Livable for all	Targeted support

How Residents Can Get Involved

Individual residents play a crucial role [2]. You can contribute by volunteering, providing feedback, promoting inclusivity, supporting local businesses, educating others, and staying informed [1, 2].

A Global Response to a Global Trend

The age friendly community network offers a powerful, collaborative solution as global populations age [1]. By focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and participation, these communities are preparing for the future and enriching the present for all residents [1, 2]. The {Link: WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/who-network/} offers an excellent resource [1].

Conclusion: Building Better Communities for All

Ultimately, the age friendly community network is about building stronger, more inclusive communities [1, 2]. By planning and implementing changes that support the needs of older adults, these communities create environments that benefit everyone [1]. This approach ensures that a community is a place to live well at every stage of life [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of an age friendly community?

The primary goal is to optimize opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance the quality of life for all residents as they age, promoting independence and social engagement [1].

How does a community become part of the network?

A community must secure a letter of commitment from its elected leadership and submit an application. They then follow a multi-phase process of assessment, planning, and implementation, typically guided by organizations like AARP in the U.S [2].

Does being age friendly only benefit older people?

No, while the network is focused on the needs of older adults, the improvements often benefit all residents. For example, better public transportation helps students and commuters, while safer streets benefit children and families [1].

What are the eight domains of an age friendly community?

The eight domains are outdoor spaces, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services [1].

Is there a cost for a community to join the network?

No, there is typically no fee to join the WHO or AARP networks. However, communities must commit to investing time and resources into the planning, implementation, and evaluation of their age friendly initiatives [1, 2].

What is the difference between the WHO network and the AARP network?

The WHO network is the global umbrella initiative. AARP manages the network for the United States specifically, acting as the national affiliate that connects American communities to the broader global movement [1, 2].

How can residents track their community's progress in the network?

Residents can monitor progress by engaging with local committees, reviewing community action plans, and following official municipal updates [2]. Many network members also share successes and progress reports online [2].