What is an age-friendly city?
An age-friendly city is one where the built environment, transport, housing, services and social life are designed so that older people can live safely, stay healthy and take part fully in community life.
Why it matters
Most older people live in cities and towns. Barriers such as unsafe footpaths, inaccessible transport or social isolation directly limit what they can do.
- [Published evidence] UK example: learning from Greater Manchester's age-friendly city region.
The WHO domains
WHO describes eight connected domains, from outdoor spaces and transport to communication, respect and community support. A city is not 'age-friendly' because of one intervention; the domains work together.
- [Guidance] Measuring the age-friendliness of cities: a guide to using core indicators.
Who it applies to
Although it focuses on older people, an age-friendly city benefits everyone, including people with disabilities, carers and families with young children.
Sources
- Measuring the age-friendliness of cities: a guide to using core indicators — WHO (2015)
- Building an Age-friendly City Region: Learning from Greater Manchester — Centre for Ageing Better (2025)
Related
Jurisdiction: GLOBAL · Version 1 · Last reviewed 2026-09-24. SeniorHub is not affiliated with or endorsed by WHO or the UN.