WHO recognition for age-friendly projects

The World Health Organisation has recognised the Gore District as working towards becoming more age-friendly and granted it membership to a global network of communities with a similar vision.

Achieving WHO age-friendly cities and communities certification results from the District’s Ready for Living programme launched two years ago.

Ready for Living focuses on supporting the District’s senior community. Initiatives and activities include exercise classes, strengthen social participation and cultural inclusivity.

There is also the successful age-friendly business programme.

The District joins 1114 cities and communities worldwide that have embarked on the process to become more age-friendly. They have a shared vision of making their communities great places to grow old.

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said participation in the network requires a commitment to invest time and resources in developing age-friendly environments, and to share learnings and achievements with fellow Network members.

“Certification will help guide Ready for Living. We know our population is ageing, so it’s important to make the District a safe, liveable option for our seniors.”

Two years ago, 20.5% of the District’s population was aged 65 years and over. This figure is predicted to rise to 32.9% by 2043.

The WHO global network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities was established in 2010 to connect cities, communities, and organisations worldwide in response to global population ageing.

The network focuses on actions at the local level that fosters full participation of older people in community life and promotes healthy, active ageing.

Ready for Living has been funded by the PH Vickery Trust in partnership with the Community Network Trust and Gore District Council.