AGE-FRIENDLY : CAERPHILLY OVER FIFTY
A New Initiative
The Welsh Government (WG) published the latest Strategy for an Ageing Society in October 2021 and the Implementation Plan in April 2022. WG sees the concept of Age Friendly Communities (AFC) as central to improving the life of older people in Wales.
The programme is being led by the Older People’s Commissioner. The Commissioner and her AFC Steering Group are currently concentrating on helping Councils to understand the concept and develop their own programmes to gain accreditation with the WHO.
Caerphilly Council has established their own AFC Steering group that includes our chair and Vice Chair. Over the last few months, an initial programme of consultations with residents has been progressing to gain a view of what the Council could address to take Caerphilly further towards an Age-Friendly community. You can read a summary of the areas for consideration for improvement through the AFC process.
An Old Idea
The World Health Organisation introduced the concept of Age-Friendly cities in 2007. In 2013, the European Union adopted it in the Dublin Declaration and Councils throughout Wales became signatories. The front page of the Caerphilly Council Delivery Plan 2015 (Strategy for Older People in Wales) incorporates the Age-Friendly ‘Flower’ and recognises 50+ Positive Action and Caerphilly Over 50.
On Facebook: Caerphilly Over 50 aims to improve the health, independence, finance, safety & wellbeing of older people in Caerphilly in a fun & engaging way.
On the Website: You can read of the many activities that have supported intergenerational solidarity and our Age-Friendly ethos generally
AGE
AFCs form a key part of the latest WG Strategy for Older People. The Older People’s Commissioner leads the programme. However, Age-Friendly Communities are not just about Older People.
Age-Friendly Communities are about the entire community. But it is interesting to note the emphasis on the Dublin Declaration:
“The built environment and neighbourhood networks impact on the quality of all of our lives and can make the difference between independence and dependence for all people, especially for those growing older.”
“Cities must equip themselves with the means, resources and systems of distribution to promote equal opportunities, well-being and participation of all citizens, including their older citizens.”
Ending Ageism and Age Discrimination is one of the Commissioner’s priorities. So, although AFCs are about the entire community, it is still important to note that this includes everybody in the community. This is also why Caerphilly Over 50 is very keen on intergenerational activities, for example, Poetry Together.
Being more age-friendly isn’t just about government policy or council services, it’s about working together with other people in your community to make a difference.
Making your community more age-friendly doesn’t need to be difficult or complicated. Small changes can make a big difference. By working together, you might be surprised by what you can achieve.
An age-friendly community recognises and celebrates diversity, bringing people together to challenge ageism and ensure that all ages can fully participate in community life.