Developing Age-Friendly Communities in the UK: Re-creating Places and Spaces

This book provides a comprehensive assessment of age-friendly initiatives in the UK, based on in-depth interviews with AF leaders in each locality. It advances knowledge on AFCC and appeals to a wide range of disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This concise yet comprehensive book offers a focused yet thorough evaluation of age-friendly initiatives in the United Kingdom, based on in-depth interviews with the leaders of AF communities in each locality to gain insight into what it truly means to be an AF community in practice and how these schemes have emerged, developed, and evolved over time, as well as the outcomes achieved. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of these initiatives, the book makes a valuable contribution to the field, particularly in light of the recent new WHO cycle on active and healthy aging. This book appeals to a diverse range of disciplines, including urban planning, nursing, urban studies, architecture, nursing, tourism, and human geography.

Introduction:
The United Kingdom (UK) has made significant strides in promoting age-friendly policies and initiatives in recent years. The concept of age-friendly communities (AFCCs) has gained prominence as a way to address the needs and challenges of older adults in a holistic and inclusive manner. In this book, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of AFCCs in the UK, drawing on in-depth interviews with the leaders of AF communities across the country.

What is an Age-Friendly Community?:
An AFCC is a community that has taken proactive steps to become more inclusive and accessible for older adults. It involves a range of measures, such as the development of accessible infrastructure, the provision of services and programs that meet the needs of older adults, and the promotion of social inclusion and participation. AFCCs are designed to promote healthy aging, prevent isolation and loneliness, and enable older adults to continue to live independently and actively in their communities.

Development and Evolution of Age-Friendly Initiatives:
The development of AFCCs in the UK has been influenced by a variety of factors, including demographic changes, government policies, and community-driven initiatives. In the early 2000s, the UK government launched the Ageing Better Strategy, which aimed to improve the quality of life for older adults and reduce social isolation. This strategy led to the establishment of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the development of guidelines and standards for AFCCs.

Since then, AFCCs have continued to evolve and expand in the UK. Local authorities, community organizations, and healthcare providers have played a key role in developing and implementing these initiatives. They have worked together to identify the specific needs and challenges of older adults in their communities and to develop tailored solutions that address these needs.

Outcomes Achieved:
The outcomes achieved by AFCCs in the UK have been impressive. Studies have shown that AFCCs can improve the quality of life for older adults, reduce social isolation and loneliness, and promote healthy aging. For example, one study found that AFCCs can improve physical health outcomes, such as reduced rates of falls and hospitalizations, and improve mental health outcomes, such as reduced rates of depression and anxiety.

In addition, AFCCs can also have economic benefits for communities. By promoting healthy aging and reducing the burden of healthcare costs, AFCCs can help to create a more sustainable and resilient economy. They can also attract older adults to live and work in their communities, which can help to stimulate local businesses and create jobs.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive assessment of age-friendly initiatives in the UK, drawing on in-depth interviews with the leaders of AF communities across the country. It advances knowledge on AFCCs and their development and evolution, and highlights the outcomes achieved by these initiatives. The book appeals to a wide range of disciplines, including urban planning, nursing, urban studies, architecture, nursing, tourism, and human geography. By promoting the principles of AFCCs, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and age-friendly society for all.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032334783