Kozhikode city in Kerala has achieved global recognition by being inducted into the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC). It is notably the first city in South Asia to receive this honour.
This comes soon after Kozhikode was named a UNESCO City of Literature, further showcasing its progressive and inclusive urban development.
Key Highlights
First South Asian City:
- Kozhikode becomes the first South Asian city to join WHO’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC).
About the Network:
- GNAFCC promotes policies, infrastructure, and services to improve the quality of life for senior citizens.
- Member cities work to create environments where older adults can remain healthy, active, independent, and socially included.
Core Areas of Assessment:
The WHO evaluates cities on 8 core domains that affect the lives of older adults:
- Social participation
- Respect and social inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information
- Community support and health services
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
Assessment also includes whether the city provides sufficient opportunities for seniors to engage socially and civically, along with employment options to combat challenges of ageing.
Benefits of Membership
Kozhikode will now:
- Receive technical and financial support from WHO for initiatives to improve elderly well-being.
- Gain access to global best practices and guidance on age-friendly infrastructure.
- Collaborate with other member cities to adopt and implement innovative solutions for the elderly.
Key Initiatives and Features Recognised
A city is recognized as age-friendly when it creates systems enabling older adults to participate actively, with dignity, safety, and independence.
Kozhikode’s age-friendly measures that contributed to the recognition include:
- Establishment of daycare centres for elderly interaction and care.
- Creation of safe spaces and venues for senior citizens to socialize and engage in community activities.
- Organizing seminars and programs tailored for elderly welfare.
- Developing age-friendly public buildings and spaces (barrier-free access, benches, etc.).
- Providing medical, social, and technical assistance to senior citizens.
- Initiating exclusive taxi services for elderly passengers to improve mobility.
Significance
This recognition is expected to:
- Strengthen Kozhikode’s urban policies for elderly care.
- Enhance the city’s reputation as an inclusive, progressive urban hub.
- Serve as a model for other Indian and South Asian cities seeking similar recognition.
About WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)
- Launched: 2010
- Purpose: Connect cities, communities, and organizations worldwide to:
- Inspire change by showcasing solutions
- Connect cities for knowledge and experience sharing
- Support cities in finding innovative, evidence-based solutions
- Created in response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, focusing on local actions to foster active ageing and full community participation of older people.