(image credit: Nigel Player photography)
Cheshire West and Chester has joined a worldwide network of communities committed to becoming better places for people of all ages to grow older.
The World Health Organization has confirmed the borough as a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
The network promotes age-friendliness around the world and has 600 members across 38 different countries worldwide, representing over 190 million people.
Cheshire West and Chester has also been welcomed as a member of the UK Network of Age-friendly communities, a network committed to promoting healthy and active ageing and creating great places to live across the UK.
Anna Dixon, chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better (the UK Affiliate lead for the network) said: “Communities must be inclusive of people of all ages and abilities.
“We’re delighted Cheshire West and Chester has joined a growing movement of communities working to ensure everyone has an enjoyable later life.”
In Cheshire West and Chester, the number of over 65s will increase by 46% to more than 100,000 by 2035. The number of people aged over 85 will more than double, to almost 20,000.
Many people are living with complex health conditions and there are estimated to be over 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK.
Cheshire West and Chester Council wants to ensure living longer is matched with more fulfilling lives and remaining connected to the community.
Cllr Samantha Dixon, leader of the Council, said: “Ensuring that older people and adults requiring additional support are able to lead fulfilled and independent lives is a council priority.
“The age-friendly movement provides a positive focus for working together with older people to develop an age-friendly culture.
“We want to unite people across the borough with a common aim; creating a borough that is more compassionate and inclusive for people of all ages.”
She added: “I would encourage all our residents to get involved, to help make our borough more age-friendly and inclusive for everyone.”
Dr Jonathan Griffiths, deputy chair of the council’s health and wellbeing board, said: “Taking a positive approach to ageing is so important.
“As an ageing society there are implications for us all in terms of workforce, education, housing, health and care.
“The health and wellbeing board is pleased to have been recognised by the World Health Organization for the work we are doing together to embrace these issues and make Cheshire West and Chester a better place to grow older.”
To play your part in making your local community and the borough a great place to grow older and to become part of the ‘Age Friendly West Cheshire Network’ get in touch via email: inclusivecommunities@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
