The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities because “populations in almost every corner of the world are growing older,” WHO officials say, adding that the network will focus on helping cities create urban environments that allow seniors to remain active and healthy participants in society. Two U.S. cities so far have been named to the new network.
New York City and Portland, Oregon, represent the United States in the recently launched Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities. The other cities announced by WHO include:
- Melville and Canberra Australia
- Brussels, Belgium
- Several cities in France, including Lille, Dijon, Versailles, Canejan, Troyes, and Velleurbanne
- Louth County, Ireland
- Akita, Japan
- Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Velenje, and Ruse, Slovenia
- Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Manchester, UK
“Older people are a vital, and often overlooked, resource for families and for society,” says Dr. John Beard, director of WHO’s Department of Ageing and Life Course. “Their contribution will only be fully realized if they maintain their health and if the barriers that prevent them from engaging in family and community life are broken down.”
Key areas age-friendly cities must address to meet WHO standards include access to public transportation, appropriate housing, community support, and health services.
Read the WHO news release, “WHO Launches Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities.”
See the current list of cities named to the WHO network.
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