Cornwall has joined the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities with the Centre for Ageing Better to enhance the lives of older residents.
Led by Cornwall Council, the application connects Cornwall to a network serving over 10 million people, including Dorset, Manchester, and Bristol.
Age-friendly communities work together to help people stay active and more connected, which promotes better health and reduces dependence on urgent interventions.
Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said:
"I am delighted that we have been given the go ahead to become part of the Age Friendly Communtiy network, but this is where the hard work begins.
“We have brought together a great team of individuals from the NHS, private, sector, charities and voluntary sector to lead on this.
“They are all passionate on supporting people to live well and age well, and this gives us a platform and ideas to build from."
The concept was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which launched its Global Age-Friendly Cities and Communities programme in 2007.
It’s about making things such as community spaces accessible and helping people to stay active and socially engaged as they get older.
Becoming an Age Friendly Community also brings real, practical benefits for Cornwall.
Natalie Turner, Deputy Director for Localities at Centre for Ageing Better, said:
“The population of the UK is ageing, with one in four people expected to be over 65 by 2050.
“The fact that people are living longer is cause for celebration, but it is important that we take proactive steps to allow people to age well.
“We are delighted Cornwall has joined the growing number of areas committing to supporting the needs of our ageing population.
“Age-friendly Communities support healthy and active ageing and allow older residents to help shape the place that they live in.
“In these communities, older people can continue to live in their homes and participate in activities that they value, whilst contributing to their communities.”
As seen in other communities across the UK Network, there have been improvements to parks, open spaces, town centres and pedestrian crossings, with older residents empowered to live more independently.
The approach can reduce health and social care costs, ease social isolation, improve mental health, increase volunteering and stimulate local economies by keeping older adults active and engaged.
Councillor McKenna continued:
“One of our cabinet priorities is about supporting people to live healthy and dignified lives, and being part of this network will enable us to learn from other areas and to develop our approach.
“In our recent Age Friendly Survey, almost four thousand people told us what would make Cornwall a better place to grow old and now we can start working towards delivering on some of those.”
With almost half our population over the age of 50 in Cornwall, taking a preventative approach now means Cornwall can meet the challenges of an ageing population.