London joins the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

The Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Matthew Ryder, QC, today revealed that London has signed up to the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

Speaking at Age UK London’s “Tackling Loneliness Amongst Older Londoners” Conference, Matthew outlined the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s aim for London to be recognised globally as an age-friendly city. 

Matthew Ryder, QC, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, said: 

“We’re very excited to be joining the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The Mayor’s vision is for London to be a place where people of all ages can thrive. Older Londoners make an extremely valuable contribution to city life - as professionals, volunteers and carers. We want to encourage all Londoners to participate actively in community activities and to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their age. We look forward to working with other age-friendly cities and communities in the UK and across the world.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (the Network) was established to foster the exchange of experience and mutual learning between cities and communities worldwide. All members of the network display the desire and commitment to promote healthy and active ageing and a good quality of life for their older residents.

Key actions the Mayor has already committed to include reducing barriers to decent jobs for older workers, reducing digital exclusion, providing more accessible and adaptable homes, and ensuring sports and arts and the transport system across the city are inclusive and responsive to the needs of older people.

Paul Goulden, CEO of Age UK London, said: 

“We’re so pleased that the Mayor has signed up to the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. This is a real step forward to make sure that older Londoners can enjoy everything that London has to offer. We look forward to working with the Mayor to help all of London to love later life.”

Anna Dixon, the Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, which convenes the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities, commented:

“Ensuring that everyone can make the most of living longer and enjoy lives spent in good health, good work and good housing must be a collective endeavour.

“It will require local leadership, which is why it is so great to see London commit to becoming a more inclusive city for people of all ages and abilities by committing to becoming an age-friendly city.”