Origins and Core Principles of the Age-Friendly Strategy
The age-friendly concept, pioneered by the World Health Organization (WHO), is based on the "Active Ageing" framework, which aims to provide opportunities for health, participation, and security for older adults. The core principle is that communities should remove environmental and social barriers to support individuals in aging well. This approach views aging as a chance for continued growth and societal contribution. The strategy is a collaborative and ongoing process involving older adults, organizations, and government agencies to ensure improvements meet local needs.
The WHO's Eight Domains of Livability
The WHO framework outlines eight interconnected domains essential for creating age-friendly environments. These domains are detailed further in sources such as {Link: youtube.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BziJ1Nx9OxY} and {Link: h2hhc.com https://www.h2hhc.com/blog/age-friendly-communities}. The age-friendly concept also extends to healthcare with the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This initiative uses the "4Ms" framework to provide high-quality care aligned with older adults' priorities. The "4Ms" are:
- What Matters: Focusing care on the individual's goals.
- Medication: Reviewing medications for appropriateness.
- Mentation: Addressing dementia, depression, and delirium.
- Mobility: Promoting safe daily movement.
Comparison of Community vs. Health System Strategies
| Feature | Age-Friendly Communities Strategy | Age-Friendly Health Systems Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Create a physical and social environment that supports active aging and well-being for all residents. | Deliver evidence-based, high-quality care that is focused on the specific needs of older patients. |
| Focus | Public spaces, housing, transportation, social inclusion, and civic engagement. | Patient-centered healthcare using the "4Ms" framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility). |
| Scope | Broader, involving multiple city departments, community organizations, and public and private sectors. | Specific to healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. |
| Driving Body | Primarily guided by the WHO Global Network and affiliates like the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. | Driven by the John A. Hartford Foundation, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and clinical partners. |
| Interventions | Policy changes, environmental approaches, community programs, and infrastructure improvements. | Clinical process improvements, staff training, and aligning care plans with patient priorities. |
Examples and Impact of Age-Friendly Initiatives
Cities worldwide are implementing age-friendly strategies, often through networks like AARP's, involving needs assessments and action plans. Examples include installing benches, offering digital literacy programs, and improving public transit accessibility. Age-Friendly Health Systems have also shown positive impacts on patient outcomes. These initiatives benefit not just older adults but the entire community, making environments more livable for people of all ages and abilities. The WHO's Age-Friendly World website provides further resources and case studies.
Conclusion
An age-friendly strategy is a comprehensive approach to community and healthcare planning addressing the needs of a growing older population. By focusing on supportive environments and systems, these initiatives create more inclusive, accessible communities for everyone. Whether through the WHO's eight domains or the healthcare-focused 4Ms, the core principle is to align infrastructure and services with the needs of older adults. This collaborative process helps societies prepare for demographic shifts, promoting health, participation, and security as people age.
