Age Friendly Summit

Denise attended the highly anticipated Centre for Ageing Better Summit in Manchester, an event that brought together leading experts from around the world to discuss innovative solutions for creating age-friendly cities. The summit featured prominent international speakers from renowned age-friendly cities in Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and the United States, providing a unique platform for sharing successful strategies and approaches aimed at improving the lives of older adults.

Held at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre, the summit attracted professionals, policymakers, and advocates who are dedicated to making communities more inclusive and accessible for ageing populations. Denise, a passionate advocate for ageing well, was thrilled to participate in the event, where she gained invaluable insights into how cities worldwide are tackling the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing society.

Denise was particularly inspired by the diverse global perspectives on how to foster environments that encourage independence, mobility, and social participation for older adults. The summit emphasized that while each country faces unique challenges, there are universal principles and shared goals that can drive positive change worldwide.

“I’m truly inspired by the solutions and collaborations showcased today,” said Denise. “It’s clear that age-friendly cities aren’t just about improving physical spaces; they’re about fostering a mindset where older adults are not just supported, but empowered to live fulfilling lives. I’m excited to take these learnings back to my own community and continue advocating for change.”

The Centre for Ageing Better Summit serves as a vital forum for cross-border collaboration, allowing cities from around the world to learn from one another and advance the global age-friendly movement. The discussions highlighted the importance of accessibility, healthcare, community involvement, and policy development in building cities where people of all ages can thrive.

With a growing global population of older adults, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the future of cities and communities. The summit not only provided a wealth of knowledge and expertise but also sparked important conversations about how to work together to ensure that ageing populations are celebrated and supported.

As Denise prepares to return to her local community, she is eager to continue advocating for age-friendly policies and practices in Norwich, driven by the wealth of ideas and collaborations she experienced at the summit. The event reinforced that creating inclusive cities requires collective action and a shared vision for a future where ageing is a celebrated part of life.