Ageing and Life Course

WHO Age-friendly Environments Programme

©HelpAge International

The Age-friendly Environments Programme is an international effort by WHO to address the environmental and social factors that contribute to active and healthy ageing in societies.

Rationale

  • In 2000, the global population of people aged 60 and over was 600 million; by 2025 there will be 1.2 billion and, by 2050, almost 2 billion.
  • The proportion of the global population aged 60 will double from 11% in 2006 to 22% by 2050.
  • In 2008, for the first time in history, the majority of the world's population lived in cities and by 2030; approximately 3 out of every 5 people will live in an urban area.
  • Older people play a crucial role in communities - in paid or volunteering work, transmitting experience and knowledge, or helping their families with caring responsibilities. These contributions can only be ensured if older persons enjoy good health and if societies address their needs.
  • Making cities and communities age-friendly is one of the most effective policy approaches for responding to demographic ageing.

Cities and communities wishing to become more age-friendly can take part in the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

"An Age-friendly City is an inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing".

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