WHO launches a new database featuring concrete actions by local actors to make their cities and communities better places to grow old. Increasing numbers of cities and communities world-wide are making commitments to become more age-friendly. That is, to better adapt their structures and services to the needs of their ageing populations. But what are they actually doing?

Browse the new database to find out. It can be searched by country, community size, and domain of intervention.
This database allows you to both inspire (by providing your own examples) and be inspired from the many real steps being taken around the world by cities and communities to become more age-friendly.

“No need to reinvent the wheel if great ideas have already been tested elsewhere” says Lisa Warth, Technical Officer at WHO’s Ageing and Life Course Department, which coordinates the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. We welcome more contributions of age-friendly measures taken by cities and communities around the world.

Age-friendly practices are concrete measures aimed at creating more supportive and accessible environments to enable older people to actively participate in community life and to maintain their autonomy and independence.

The snow angel program in Ottawa (Canada), for example, recognizes volunteers who help older people during the winter by clearing snow or ice from their driveway, steps or walkway, keeping them accessible. In Volgograd (Russian Federation) the project “a kinder world” engages older people in creative activities with orphaned children, enhancing inter-generational ties and personal fulfilment for those participating. The CityBench Programme increases public seating on New York City’s streets providing more opportunities for older people (and others) to rest when they are out and about.

Browse the WHO Global Database of Age-friendly Practices to learn more about these and other examples and share your own.