agefriendly

Agefriendly refers to environments, policies, programs, and services designed to enable older people to live safely, independently, and with full participation in their communities. The aim is to support healthy aging, reduce isolation, and maintain dignity by removing barriers to daily living and social involvement.

Core framework and approach: The World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities and Communities program identifies eight domains of livability that influence daily life for older adults: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services. Communities pursuing age-friendly status typically conduct assessments, engage older residents in planning, and develop action plans to improve accessibility, affordability, and service coordination across sectors.

Global network and practice: Since 2010, many cities and regions have joined the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, sharing best practices, tools, and metrics. Initiatives commonly involve audits of streets, housing, digital access, and health services, followed by targeted improvements and ongoing monitoring. Age-friendly efforts are often integrated with broader agendas such as healthy aging, disability inclusion, and sustainable development.

Challenges and considerations: Implementing age-friendly policies requires stable funding, reliable data, and governance structures that ensure inclusive participation, especially for marginalized groups and rural communities. Critics note gaps between policy statements and practical delivery, the need for ongoing evaluation, and adaptation to shifting demographics and diverse needs within older populations.