Rother confirmed as an age-friendly community

THE WORLD Health Organisation has approved Rother District Council’s application to join the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

The council’s successful application to the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms its commitment to ensuring Rother is a great place to grow old in for all its residents.

The WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities connects cities, communities and organisations across the world that support the full participation of older people in community life and promote healthy and active ageing.

An application made earlier in the summer by the council to join the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities has also been approved.

Councillor Charles Clark, spokesperson for Older Persons at Rother District Council, said: “I am delighted that our applications to join the UK and Global Networks of Age-Friendly Communities have been successful.

“This is an important step in the development of our action plan to ensure older people in Rother continue to feel valued and supported and able to lead healthy and active lives.

“The council is committed to listening to the needs of our older residents and to working collaboratively with them to create a stimulating and supportive age-friendly community.”

As part of its commitment to becoming recognised as age-friendly, the council has been working in partnership with East Sussex County Council and Rother Voluntary Action to actively support and engage with older people in the district.

Through the Healthy Ageing and Innovation in Rural Europe (HAIRE) project, volunteers have held more than 200 hours of in-depth conversations with local older people about their lives, needs, and aspirations.  

A series of follow up community events will be held in Rye and Robertsbridge starting on Wednesday, September 29, exploring ways to tackle loneliness, stay active, and manage changes in later life, as well as how information can be made more accessible to isolated, older residents.

To further support older people the council, in conjunction with Active Rother, held the ‘How to age well in the 21st century’ event at the De La Warr Pavilion to help over 50s stay healthy and active.

In addition, the 14th East Sussex County Council Older People’s Day programme is taking place throughout September and October, with a series of events celebrating the role older people play in improving communities and the lives of local people.

Cllr Clark added: “The events taking place over the next few weeks highlight how important older people are to our communities.

“They are also a great opportunity for our older residents to find out how they can stay safe and healthy, and a chance for local people to contribute to and shape their communities for the future.”

To book a free place on the Healthy Ageing and Innovation in Rural Europe events visit https://www.rva.uk.com/events/

The full Older People’s Day programme can be found online at https://your.eastsussex.gov.uk/2021/08/25/celebrating-life-after-50/

Published: 14th September 2021

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