Carmarthenshire is a diverse and vibrant county in South West Wales, home to more than 35,000 residents aged 65 and over, and growing, who make a vital contribution to community life. The county is strongly committed to supporting older people to live well, remain independent, and stay connected, and its policies and programmes increasingly reflect alignment with the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities framework.

A wide range of services help older people lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Preventative, person-centred initiatives such as Care & Repair, Delta Wellbeing’s Lifeline and rapid response services, and the Home First partnership reduce hospital admissions and support recovery at home. Community-based programmes including exercise referral, walking sports and social prescribing promote physical activity, wellbeing and social connection across local communities.

Carmarthenshire also fosters inclusion, belonging and civic participation through strong community networks and volunteering. Life Links befriending, Men’s Sheds, Heart of the Community volunteering and PRIME Cymru offer opportunities to stay active, share skills, re-engage in employment or contribute through volunteering. Digital inclusion is strengthened by Age Cymru Dyfed’s tablet loan scheme, helping older people stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Access to information is improved through bilingual Customer Service HWBs and the Hwb Bach y Wlad mobile service, which bring guidance and signposting directly into communities. Mobility and transport schemes such as Shopmobility, Dolen Teifi and Ar Y Ffordd further support independence and help residents reach key services and social opportunities.

Looking ahead, Carmarthenshire is committed to deepening co-production with older residents and partners as it develops its Age-Friendly Action Plan. By ensuring older people shape priorities and solutions, and by strengthening collaboration across sectors, the county aims to create an inclusive, age-friendly Carmarthenshire where older people can thrive, participate, and age well.