In Kochi city, the journey towards becoming age-friendly began in 2013 when discussions on addressing the needs of older persons took place. Recognizing the importance of this initiative, the Center of Excellence for Developing Age-friendly Communities (CEDAC) under MAGICS NGO, the Kerala State Branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA), and the Kochi Municipal Corporation collaborated to develop age-friendly programs.
Academic workshops and talks paved the way for innovative solutions such as the University of 3rd Age (U3A), Senior Taxi service, Elder-helpline, and age-friendly college initiatives. These programs aimed to promote development, health, social inclusion, and opportunities for older persons.
Since 2015, the U3A has been providing continuing education and skill development opportunities, enabling older individuals to engage in lifelong learning. The Senior Taxi service, introduced in 2016, offers round-the-clock transportation with dedicated drivers who provide elder-friendly services, including electric autos.
The Kochi Municipal Corporation played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of these initiatives. They provided support and resources to ensure the success of age-friendly college initiatives, involving the participation of four major colleges in the district.
Additionally, healthcare facilities in Kochi embraced the age-friendly healthcare framework proposed by the IMA. This framework promotes personalized and comprehensive healthcare services for older patients, catering to their unique needs and challenges.
To address preventive healthcare, regular health screening camps focusing on vision, hearing, dementia, and other health concerns have been conducted since 2015. These camps aim to detect health issues early on and provide timely interventions.
The collaborative efforts between the Kochi Municipal Corporation, MAGICS NGO, and the IMA foster inter-sector cooperation and convergence of resources. Their joint commitment towards creating an age-friendly environment ensures that older persons in Kochi receive the necessary support and opportunities for a fulfilling and dignified life.
Through ongoing evaluation and coordination with the Municipal Corporation, evidence-based plans of action are being developed across all domains of an age-friendly city.
Kochi city is making significant strides towards becoming age-friendly, focusing on education, transportation, healthcare, and preventive measures. These efforts serve as a model for other cities, emphasizing the importance of embracing the needs of older persons and creating inclusive communities for all.