An age friendly community is good for everyone

We recently attended the Cambridge Older People’s Network .The network is chaired by Cambridge United Community Trust, at the meeting the ambition to embed within to create an age friendly community across Cambridgeshire was mentioned.

How exciting !

Voluntary organisations play a vital role in championing age-friendly initiatives. From providing befriending schemes to delivering accessible activities, the sector is instrumental in ensuring that older people can participate fully in community life. By working collaboratively with local authorities and businesses, voluntary groups can help to shape policies and services that truly support older residents.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified eight key domains that contribute to an age-friendly community. These domains provide a framework for local authorities, voluntary organisations, and community groups to create environments that enable older people to live active, engaged, and independent lives.

Creating Age-Friendly Communities: The Eight Domains of Wellbeing

  1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

Accessible and well-maintained public spaces encourage physical activity, social interaction, and overall wellbeing. Age-friendly communities prioritise safe pavements, ample seating, public toilets, and good lighting to ensure that older residents can navigate their surroundings comfortably and confidently.

  1. Transportation

Reliable, affordable, and accessible transport options are crucial for maintaining independence. Age-friendly transport includes well-designed public transport services, community transport schemes, and pedestrian-friendly streets that allow older people to get around safely and easily.

  1. Housing

A variety of housing options that accommodate changing needs over time is key to supporting older adults. Age-friendly communities promote accessible, affordable, and adaptable housing that enables older people to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

  1. Social Participation

Opportunities for social engagement reduce isolation and enhance mental health. Age-friendly communities offer inclusive activities such as clubs, educational programmes, and cultural events that encourage interaction and meaningful connections.

  1. Respect and Social Inclusion

Older people should feel valued and included in community life. Combating ageism and fostering intergenerational relationships through volunteering, mentoring schemes, and community initiatives help to create a culture of respect and inclusion.

  1. Civic Participation and Employment

Many older people wish to remain active in the workforce or contribute through volunteering. An age-friendly community supports flexible work opportunities, lifelong learning, and accessible volunteer roles that utilise the skills and experience of older individuals.

  1. Communication and Information

Clear and accessible communication ensures that older people remain informed about local services, events, and opportunities. Age-friendly communication includes easy-to-read materials, digital inclusion initiatives, and alternative formats for those with sensory impairments.

  1. Community Support and Health Services

Access to health and social care services is essential for maintaining independence and wellbeing. An age-friendly community ensures that services are affordable, coordinated, and designed to meet the diverse needs of older residents, including preventative healthcare and in-home support.

Creating an age-friendly community is not just about improving the lives of older people—it benefits everyone. By fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments, we create stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities for all generations. For more information Age Friendly Community eight domains