The World Health Organization's initiative to promote age friendliness began in 2006, recognizing that with global population aging and rapid urbanization, environments must adapt to support longer, healthier lives. Through the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), the WHO provides a structured approach for communities to assess their current state, implement improvements, and monitor progress. A community's participation in this network demonstrates a commitment to creating supportive environments for its older residents.
The Eight Domains of WHO Age Friendliness
The WHO Age-Friendly Cities framework outlines eight key areas to enhance the lives of older people within urban settings.
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Creating safe and accessible public areas.
- Transportation: Ensuring affordable, safe, and accessible travel options.
- Housing: Promoting diverse, affordable, and accessible homes.
- Social Participation: Providing opportunities for engagement in social activities.
- Respect and Social Inclusion: Valuing older adults and combating ageism.
- Civic Participation and Employment: Supporting continued work or volunteering.
- Communication and Information: Making information easy to access and understand.
- Community Support and Health Services: Ensuring access to necessary services.
How the Domains Interact
The eight domains are interconnected. For example, limited public transportation can restrict social participation for older adults. Improvements in one area, like creating green spaces with seating, can encourage physical activity and social interaction in others. A comprehensive approach ensures improvements are mutually reinforcing.
Comparing Age-Friendly and Non-Age-Friendly Communities
This table highlights differences between communities that are actively age-friendly and those that are not:
| Feature | Age-Friendly Community | Non-Age-Friendly Community |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Offers accessible public transit, well-maintained infrastructure, and safe crossings. | Limited or costly transit, poorly maintained sidewalks and safety hazards. |
| Housing | Provides diverse, affordable, accessible housing options and aging-in-place support. | Inadequate senior housing, homes needing expensive modifications, lack of support services. |
| Social Inclusion | Fosters intergenerational activities, combats ageism, and values older adults' contributions. | Limited social opportunities, potential for older adults to feel undervalued or face stereotyping. |
| Health Services | Coordinated, accessible community and health services, including preventative care. | Dispersed or difficult-to-access health services, potentially higher costs due to lack of preventative care. |
| Information | Provides information in clear, accessible formats through multiple channels. | Communication may be confusing or inaccessible, especially for those with sensory impairments. |
Broad Benefits for All Residents
Improvements towards WHO age friendliness benefit everyone, not just older adults. Accessible buildings and public spaces aid parents with strollers and people with disabilities. Better public transport helps commuters and tourists. Efforts for social inclusion strengthen community bonds for all ages. Creating age-friendly spaces builds more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities for current and future residents.
Conclusion
WHO age friendliness provides a comprehensive framework for creating inclusive communities that support active and healthy aging. By focusing on the eight interconnected domains, communities can address barriers in infrastructure, social connections, and support services. The growing success of the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities highlights the effectiveness of this approach. Investing in age-friendly environments not only benefits older adults but also strengthens societies for everyone. To learn more about the WHO's initiative, visit their {Link: official Age-friendly Environments page https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/age-friendly-environments}.
