Yeoju City- Senior-Friendly City Declaration Ceremony

Adding life to years

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Summary

Since 2020, Yeoju City has been meeting the requirements for an age-friendly city through the enactment of the “Yeoju City Senior-Friendly City Development Ordinance” and the “Senior-Friendly City Development Research Service,” the appointment and formation of a older adult policy monitoring group, and a survey on the perception of age-friendly cities. As a result, Yeoju City was certified as a member of WHO Global Network for Age-friendly cities and Communities in December of last year. Therefore, we are celebrating the Senior-Friendly City Declaration Ceremony today to widely share this news.

The era of 100-year lifespans is now a reality, and the problem of aging is also a reality. However, aging should not be viewed solely as a problem. The advent of the 100-year lifespan is perhaps the greatest blessing in human history, surpassing the fact that people have been able to live for over a century. To make this aging society a more vibrant, meaningful, and rewarding one, we must embrace it as an era in which self-realization becomes more active.

We will strive to make Yeoju a city that constantly explores new methods and approaches to reduce intergenerational conflict and foster respect for older adults, thereby fostering intergenerational integration. To this end, our city of Yeoju hopes to create a vibrant, integrated urban-rural city where everyone thrives together, a happy city of hope.

1) A multigenerational, happy Yeoju where all generations can communicate and participate together!
2)A sustainable, happy Yeoju where transportation convenience and accessibility are improved for older adults!
3) A vibrant, happy Yeoju where older adults can enjoy diverse social activities and jobs!
4) A safe, happy Yeoju where older adults can live comfortably and safely!

Key facts

Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)

Sector(s): Education, Social protection, Urban development

Other sector(s): Active Aging, Health, Safety, Participation

Desired outcome for older people:
Learn, grow and make decisions

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:

Ageism
Accessibility
Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
Participation

Contact details

Name: Yangho Ryu

Email address: ryh2000@korea.kr

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Others involved in the project:

Older People’s Association
Private sector
Research institution

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: The role of older adults is paramount in creating age-friendly cities. Older adults are not merely recipients of benefits and support; they actively participate and, with their rich life experiences, can fulfill a variety of roles. The most profound experience of the older generation lies in the wisdom and experience gained over a long life.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Expansion plans:
Our city of Yeoju plans to continuously expand its age-friendly initiatives. Beginning with joining the WHO-approved international network, we will establish a three-year plan with 78 detailed projects covering five key areas, nine key goals, and a consistent, step-by-step implementation plan to create a healthier, happier, and more active age-friendly city than we were in 2023.

Looking back

Challenges:
Over the past three years, we’ve faced many challenges while working on the Age-Friendly City Development Project. However, thanks to active societal engagement, we’ve been able to achieve this. We believe that achieving an age-friendly city isn’t achieved overnight; only by making gradual changes can we create a city that all generations can aspire to. To achieve this, we believe consistent public relations, civic solidarity, the participation and support of private organizations, and the interest of the public are essential.