Ageing Better: Using the 'age-friendly' concept to drive system change in communities and places

Introduction

This report explores how Ageing Better partnerships used the “age‑friendly” concept to make services, support, places and communities more welcoming and inclusive for people aged 50 and over. It looks at how partnerships created change locally and why age‑friendly thinking matters. It ends with recommendations for using these approaches.

The report is for funders, policymakers and organisations aiming to improve community environments for older people.

Findings

The evaluation found that age friendly approaches helped shift attitudes, improve community spaces and increase the visibility of older people in local decision-making.

Partnerships used a range of approaches, including:

• co‑design with residents

• improving local environments

• tackling ageism

• influencing local policy

They also focused on building relationships with councils, voluntary organisations and service providers to embed age friendly principles.

Many projects made changes to make communities easier to navigate and more welcoming. For example:

• transport

• public space

• activities

• communication

These approaches helped older people feel more connected, valued and able to take part in community life. This contributed to reduced loneliness and greater wellbeing.