A Vision of an Age-Friendly Nation
Recognising the demographic shift towards an older population, the Welsh Government published its strategy in October 2021, co-produced with older people and their representatives. The central vision is to create a Wales where everyone looks forward to growing older, free from ageism and discrimination. This vision acknowledges older people as active contributors to society, not a drain on resources. The strategy is guided by three cross-cutting themes: creating an age-friendly Wales, prioritising prevention, and adopting a rights-based approach.
The Four Aims of the Strategy
The framework of the strategy is built around four national aims, which also align with the domains of the UK Age Index. These aims guide the government's approach across various policy areas, including health, housing, and social services.
Aim 1: Enhancing People's Well-being
This aim focuses on promoting healthy, active, and fulfilled lives for older people. Actions include supporting healthy ageing initiatives, combating loneliness and isolation, and providing high-quality end-of-life care. The government invests significantly in preventative measures, such as the Integrated Care Fund, to help people live independently for longer. The emphasis is on building community and social connections, and providing targeted support for vulnerable groups and unpaid carers.
Aim 2: Improving Local Services and Environments
The strategy recognises that the local environment profoundly affects how well people live as they age. This aim focuses on making communities more accessible, safe, and supportive. Key actions include improving transport infrastructure, ensuring accessible outdoor spaces, and developing integrated health and social care services that are delivered closer to home. Local authorities are encouraged to join the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
Aim 3: Building and Retaining People's Own Capability
This aspect of the strategy is about empowering older individuals, providing them with the tools and knowledge to plan for their futures. It promotes independence, participation, and self-fulfilment. Digital inclusion is a key focus, with programs designed to improve the digital confidence of older people. The strategy also supports opportunities for employment and volunteering, valuing the skills and experience older people bring to the workforce and community. The use of personalised technology to aid those with health conditions is also being explored.
Aim 4: Tackling Age-Related Poverty
Recognising that poverty significantly impacts quality of life in later years, the strategy addresses financial insecurity. Actions include tackling fuel poverty through insulation programs and providing funding to increase the take-up of pension credit. Support services, such as the Single Advice Fund, are prioritised for older people to help them access financial entitlements. This aim seeks to ensure that financial hardship does not compromise an older person's health, well-being, or dignity.
Implementation and Monitoring Progress
The strategy is not a static document; it is supported by an annual delivery plan, scrutinised by the Ministerial Advisory Forum on Ageing. The Welsh Government has allocated funding to local authorities to appoint Age-Friendly Communities Officers and Champions to drive local action. Progress is monitored through various mechanisms, including annual reports, which track interventions across the key aims. Collaboration with partners, including the Older People's Commissioner and third-sector organisations, is a core part of its implementation.
Comparison: UK Age Index Rankings
| Indicator | Wales Ranking | Key Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 1st (2021) | Benchmarked highest among UK nations, reflecting strong commitment to older people's support. |
| Enhancing Well-being | Top Tier | High investment in prevention via Integrated Care Fund and Healthy Ageing Programme. |
| Improving Services | Strong Performance | Ongoing investment in transport and housing, coupled with push for age-friendly communities. |
| Building Capability | Needs Improvement | While focus is on digital confidence, uptake requires continuous effort. |
| Tackling Poverty | Improving | Efforts to address fuel poverty and increase benefit take-up are ongoing. |
The Role of Community Involvement and Rights
At its heart, the strategy champions a rights-based approach and the active participation of older people in shaping their communities. It encourages co-production, where older people are involved in planning and delivering local services. Initiatives such as the Older People's Rights Campaign and the Human Rights toolkit empower individuals to challenge discrimination and advocate for fair treatment. The strategy aims to combat ageism, which is recognised as a root cause of many challenges faced by older people.
The Global Context
The Welsh Government's strategy is aligned with the broader World Health Organization (WHO) framework for age-friendly communities. By supporting local authorities to join the WHO Global Network, Wales is positioning itself as a leader in creating inclusive environments for its ageing population. This international context helps to inform and benchmark Wales's progress, ensuring that its policies reflect global best practices. The strategy's emphasis on intergenerational solidarity also mirrors wider international movements towards breaking down age-based divides.
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Approach
In summary, the Age Friendly Wales: Our Strategy for an Ageing Society represents a comprehensive and progressive approach to supporting older people. By addressing critical areas such as well-being, services, capability, and poverty, it aims to create a society where everyone can age with dignity and purpose. The focus on rights and community co-production ensures that older people's voices are central to its implementation, setting a strong precedent for other nations grappling with the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population. For more information, you can read the strategy document on the Welsh Government's website(https://www.gov.wales/age-friendly-wales-our-strategy-ageing-society-html).
