The WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities: Origins, Developments and Challenges

Abstract

This interview with Lisa Warth, Technical Officer at the Department of Ageing and Life Course at the World Health Organization lays out the origins, developments and challenges for the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The first section provides an overview on the origins of the network and the age-friendly city concept. Section two describes the WHO age-friendly city approach which highlights the importance of political commitment, a participatory approach involving older people and key stakeholders, coordinated action and collaboration across sectors, evidence-informed and results-oriented planning, as well as monitoring and evaluation of progress. The third section then turns to the mission of the network, which is to support the development of age-friendly cities and communities, facilitate information exchange, inspire change and support cities in finding solutions, before reviewing the achievements to date and challenges in sections four and five. Ensuring sustainable growth and building the knowledge and evidence base on age-friendly environments through research and policy are key objectives going forward.

The author is a staff member of the World Health Organization. The author alone is responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the decisions or policies of the World Health Organization.