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WHO Age Friendly City

OPC Secretary Mike Bojczuk speaking for the OPC with the support of AgeUK Brighton&Hove, Pensioner Action, CVSF/FED, CSV/RSV led the deputation at the Council meeting 19th July 2012 to put their case.

As a result, the council have applied to join the WHO network of age friendly cities....

.....and on 5 April 2013 the WHO officially accepted Brighton & Hove into the network.

A steering group made up of council officers and voluntary groups is now planning the first phase - a base line study of where we are and suggestions for improvements.

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World Heath Organisation quotation	Population ageing and urbanization are two global trends that together comprise major forces shaping the 21st century. At the same time as cities are growing, their share of residents aged 60 years and more is increasing. Older people are a resource for their families, communities and economies in supportive and enabling living environments. WHO regards active ageing as a lifelong process shaped by several factors that,alone and acting together, favour health, participation and security in older adult life. An age-friendly city encourages active ageing by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. In practical terms, an age-friendly city adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities.	Nine Older People Independent Elected Working to make a difference
What is an age friendly city?	Older people face increasing challenges due to the sensory and other changes that age brings. In an age-friendly community, policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment are designed to support and enable older people to “age actively” – that is, to live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society. Public and commercial settings and services are made accessible to accommodate varying levels of ability. Age-friendly service providers, public officials, community leaders, faith leaders and business people should: recognize the great diversity among older persons, promote their inclusion and contribution in all areas of community life, respect their decisions and lifestyle choices, anticipate and respond flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences. Many aspects of urban settings and services can contribute to the participation, health, independence and security of older persons in an age friendly city.
Our campaign	We are asking Brighton & Hove City Council to apply for WHO Age Friendly city status, and: To examine the city provisions against the WHO checklist. To include the OPC in the scrutiny of projects and decisions that affect the elderly. To encourage local businesses to become 'age friendly'. To sponsor and encourage activities specific to aid 'active ageing'. To examine and improve the wellbeing of the isolated elderly residents of the city. To ensure health and social care provision is tailored to the needs of older people. To establish an annual older people’s day with the local elderly communities that serve the city.