The UK Network of Age-friendly Communities is a growing movement with over 50 member places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Network is affiliated to the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
An Age-friendly Community is a place where people of all ages are able to live healthy and active later lives. These places make it possible for people to continue to stay living in their homes, participate in the activities that they value, and contribute to their communities, for as long as possible.
The Age-friendly Communities Framework was developed by the World Health Organisation, in consultation with older people. It is built on the evidence of what supports healthy and active ageing in a place.
In these communities, older residents help to shape the place that they live. This involves local groups, councils, businesses and residents all working together to identify and make changes in both the physical and social environments, for example transport, outdoor spaces, volunteering and employment, leisure and community services.
We work with the Network to facilitate and give a platform for local areas to share and discuss what kinds of approaches work, both in the UK and internationally.
Through various channels and resources (such as case studies, peer meetings, conferences and workshops), we provide guidance, connect places and offer support to member communities in their efforts to become more age-friendly.
UK Age-friendly communities
Age-friendly resources
Associate members in Scotland and Wales
The Older People's Commissioner for Wales supports the development of age-friendly initiatives and the Ageing Well in Wales network. Get in touch with David McKinney for more information.
Scottish Older People’s Assembly (SOPA) exists to give a strong voice to older people about their concerns and experience of life in Scotland, including inequalities of age. Through local meetings and a National Assembly with older people and others, SOPA identifies issues that worry the older population and conveys messages from them direct to Scottish and Westminster Governments via meetings with Ministers, civil servants, politicians, academics, the media and the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities. Get in touch with Chair Diana Findley for more information.
