Ann Osborne shares this latest news from Age UK Isle of Wight. Ed
The Isle of Wight has become the first rural area in England to join the international network of Age Friendly Communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2011, recognising the growing importance of the need to create community environments that are supportive to older people. All network members are committed to promoting healthy and active ageing and a good quality of life for their older residents.
The Age Friendly Island programme has been running since April 2015, and after a years initial work the programme was accepted into the international network in July 2016. Over the next 4 years the programme will continue to work on creating an Age Friendly Island, through a range of different projects, and listening to older Islanders.
An amazing opportunity
Emma Lincoln, Age Friendly Island Development Officer at Age UK IW said,
“This is an amazing opportunity for the Isle of Wight to ensure that older people can live full lives and have their opinions heard. We hope to create an Island where older people feel better supported to be more active, healthier and happier for longer.”
‘Guide to Age Friendly Cities’
To achieve this, Age UK IW and Community Action will work with the World Health Organisation’s ‘Guide to Age Friendly Cities’, using the eight different topic areas that WHO have identified to create an Age Friendly Island which are:
- outdoor spaces and buildings
- respect and social inclusion (challenging stereotypes around older people with individuals and organisations)
- transportation
- civic participation (volunteering and training) and employment
- communication and information
- housing
- social participation (accessing community activities and groups)
- community support and health services
If you would like more information on this please contact the Age Friendly Island team on 01983 525282.
