Fourteen - Age-friendly cities and communities: a manifesto for change

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this book has been to provide a comprehensive assessment of progress around the issue of developing age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC). Part 1 examined the origins and implementation of age-friendly policies linking these to questions surrounding changes in the nature of community life in the 21st century. A key argument in this section concerned the need to incorporate issues relating to social inequalities and exclusion as an integral part of the debate around developing AFCC. Part 2 presented empirical research drawn from case studies demonstrating the challenges and opportunities for developing age-friendly policies in communities undergoing pressures from gentrification, transnational migration and related forms of change. Part 3 identified a range of design strategies and policy initiatives aimed at improving the environments in which older people live.

Drawing on insights from the chapters in this book, this final chapter presents a ‘manifesto for change’, aimed at raising the aspirations of what is now a worldwide movement for improving the quality of life of older citizens. Despite the expansion of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), challenges remain in responding to the growth of inequality and the impact of economic austerity on policies targeted at older people. Given this context, it becomes especially important to develop a framework for action that strengthens commitment to the primary goal of making environments responsive to the diverse needs of people as they age.

To assist this work, this chapter presents a 10-point manifesto for change, drawing on arguments and perspectives developed by the contributors to this book. The aim of the manifesto is to sharpen debate in the age-friendly field as well as encourage new approaches among the various stakeholders, including urban planners, community developers, health and social care professionals, policymakers, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), voluntary workers, and not least, older people themselves.

Acknowledging urban complexity

The first issue concerns applying ‘age-friendliness’ in a way that recognises the complexity of the global urban environment. The techniques for ensuring an age-friendly approach will vary considerably depending on the characteristics of urban change and development.