What organization is leading the age-friendly movement?

In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) started the global age-friendly movement to address the challenges of rapid population aging. The question of what organization is leading the age-friendly movement? has a clear answer on the international stage, with the WHO at the forefront, while AARP serves as a major affiliate partner, specifically championing the cause in the United States. These organizations provide the core frameworks and resources that empower local communities worldwide to adapt for their aging populations.

Quick Summary

The World Health Organization spearheads the age-friendly movement globally, with AARP acting as a key partner in the United States. They provide frameworks and resources to help communities become more livable for people of all ages by focusing on eight key domains. Other organizations also contribute, particularly in health care and public health sectors.

Key Points

• Global Leadership by WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) started the global age-friendly movement in 2006 and established the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) to provide the overarching framework and strategy.

• U.S. Leadership by AARP: In the United States, AARP acts as a leading affiliate of the WHO network, providing resources and support for local implementation.

• Focused Health Systems Initiatives: Specialized partners like The John A. Hartford Foundation drive the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, using the "4Ms" framework for clinical care.

• The Eight Domains Framework: The WHO's age-friendly model uses eight domains to guide communities in improving livability.

• The Decade of Healthy Ageing: The movement is part of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), led by the WHO.

• Collaborative Ecosystem: Multiple organizations contribute expertise to the movement.

The World Health Organization: The Global Leader

Founded in 2010 and building on earlier work, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) is the recognized international leader of the age-friendly movement. This network was created in response to global population aging and urbanization, aiming to share knowledge and help communities become more age-friendly. It is part of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), with the WHO as the lead agency.

Key roles of the WHO in the age-friendly movement

The WHO leads by providing a framework based on eight domains of urban life, inspiring change with success stories, connecting communities globally, and offering technical support and resources.

AARP: A Leading National Affiliate

In the United States, AARP is a prominent national leader. {Link: AARP NALEO site https://naleo.org/CS/2020/LegSummit2020/AARP-NAFSC-Booklet-2019-D19860-09-2019.pdf?_t=1604621085} AARP's network helps expand the movement, offering resources and grants, advocating for policies, and providing tools like the Livability Index.

The Age-Friendly Movement in Practice: Key Partners

Various organizations contribute to the age-friendly movement, including those focused on healthcare and public health.

• The John A. Hartford Foundation co-leads the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, which uses the "4Ms" framework. Learn more about Age-Friendly Health Systems on the {Link: AHA website https://www.aha.org/center/age-friendly-health-systems}.
• Trust for America's Health (TFAH) leads the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems movement.
• The Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN) involves universities globally.
• The American Society on Aging (ASA) supports professionals in the aging field.

Comparison of Age-Friendly Leaders and Partners

Organization	Scope	Primary Focus	Key Contributions
World Health Organization (WHO)	Global	Cities and communities worldwide	Establishes the global framework and network;
AARP	United States (National)	States and local communities	Manages the U.S. affiliate network; offers resources and grants; advocates for policy change.
John A. Hartford Foundation	United States (National)	Health systems	Spearheads the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative and the "4Ms" framework for clinical care.
Trust for America's Health (TFAH)	United States (National)	Public health departments	Promotes healthy aging as a core function of state and local public health systems.
Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN)	Global	Higher education institutions	Develops principles for age-friendly universities and fosters lifelong learning opportunities.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization is the leading global force in the age-friendly movement, but its impact is amplified by a network of national and local partners. AARP serves as a key national affiliate in the U.S., translating WHO principles into local action. Other organizations contribute specialized expertise in areas like healthcare and higher education, creating a comprehensive approach to building livable communities for people of all ages.

The WHO's Eight Domains of Age-Friendliness

The WHO's age-friendly framework includes eight domains that communities use to guide their planning.

1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Accessible and pleasant public areas.
2. Transportation: Available, affordable, and accessible options.
3. Housing: Diverse and adaptable options.
4. Social Participation: Accessible social and recreational activities.
5. Respect and Social Inclusion: All residents feel valued and included.
6. Civic Participation and Employment: Opportunities for work and volunteering.
7. Communication and Information: Accessible and understandable information.
8. Community Support and Health Services: Coordinated and accessible services.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the age-friendly movement start?

The global age-friendly movement began with the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative in 2006, leading to the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

What is the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing?

The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) is a global effort led by the WHO to improve older people's lives and create age-friendly environments.

How does AARP collaborate with the WHO on this initiative?

AARP is the official U.S. affiliate of the WHO's Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. AARP provides resources and guidance for U.S. communities.

What are the eight domains of an age-friendly community?

The eight domains cover areas like outdoor spaces, transportation, housing, social participation, respect, civic engagement, communication, and health services.

What are Age-Friendly Health Systems?

This initiative, co-led by The John A. Hartford Foundation, promotes evidence-based care for older adults using the "4Ms" framework.

How can a city or town join the age-friendly movement?

U.S. communities can join the AARP Network, which includes optional enrollment in the WHO Global Network.

Does being age-friendly only benefit older adults?

No. The movement benefits people of all ages by improving community livability and encouraging intergenerational interaction.

What role do local governments play in the movement?

Local governments assess community needs and develop action plans based on the WHO framework, often with support from partners like AARP.