In September 2013 the Legacy Derry City Council made a commitment to becoming an Age Friendly City by signing the WHO Age Friendly Declaration. At the beginning of the Age Friendly process the amalgamation of the Strabane District Council and the Derry City Council was imminent, therefore it was agreed that both areas of the newly established Council District would be involved in the Age Friendly process. This commitment was ratified through Council Procedures.

From this commitment the Age Friendly multi-sectoral partnership facilitated by Derry Healthy Cities with support from the Public Health Agency was developed. This followed with a process of engagement and consultation with older people and key service providers within the district to ensure a process which is participatory and where older people have an input to the policies that affect them.

This extensive consultation took place with over 200 older people and focused on the 8 key themes identified by WHO and identified a number of key facts about the lives of older people. One of the most notable findings being that older people, within this region are keen to be consulted with and provided with follow up information.

All those involved in this consultation process stated that this region is a great place to grow older. It was agreed by all that they liked living in their homes and if they had the choice to live elsewhere would choose to remain where they are. It was also found that there was a positive correlation between being associated with a group or community association and feeling involved and leading active lives in communities.

Older people that took part in the consultation clearly take their safety and health and wellbeing very seriously, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their homes. They appreciate healthcare professionals and others visiting them in their communities to talk to them about safety, condition management and prevention.