Bexley has this week (24 September) become a member of the UK Network of Age-Friendly Communities in recognition of the borough’s ambition to improve the lives of older residents and ensure the borough remains a place where people of all ages can live and age well.

The ‘Age-Friendly Community’ framework approach has been developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) based on evidence of what helps people stay healthy, connected and independent as they age.

The approach focuses on eight key areas identified by the World Health Organisation, including transport, housing, outdoor spaces, social participation and community support.

Bexley is joining a pioneering group of places across the UK, working with the National Centre for Ageing Better, who are making changes to their physical and social environments to allow people to remain healthy and independent.

Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr Melvin Seymour said:

“We want our borough to be a place where people can age well, where we can support their independence through inclusivity and wellbeing.

Becoming an Age-Friendly Community means Bexley will work with residents, local organisations and businesses to create an inclusive environment, where people of all ages can thrive and know that their voices will be heard when it comes to key decisions that affect them.”

A partnership board that represents the voices and needs of older people has been developed in Bexley, to provide oversight over the development of Bexley’s Age-Friendly Communities approach - and to ensure older people remain central to decision-making in Bexley.