Our Strategy and its vision aims to enable our community to age well by maintaining their independence, whilst fostering a strong sense of togetherness and purpose, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live a happy, healthy life.
The Ageing Well Strategy embraces the concept of supporting healthy ageing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines healthy ageing as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age1. Healthy ageing is the process of maintaining good physical, mental, and social health and well-being as we grow older. It is an ongoing journey that begins at any age, not just in older adulthood. The foundations of healthy ageing are laid throughout life, and by focusing on key areas of health, individuals can remain strong and healthy for years to come.
Local government is a key stakeholder in creating supportive environments for active ageing. Guidelines such as the Global Age-Friendly Cities (WHO) have defined the supportive environment concept at a community level. This document defines age-friendly cities as inclusive and accessible environments that promote active ageing by optimising opportunities for health, participation, security, and lifelong learning. Active ageing determinants include economic, social, behavioural, personal factors, physical environment, and health and social services. These determinants impact an older person’s functional capacity, and their decline can be influenced or reversed through appropriate measures.
View the Ageing Well Plan Here