In Calderdale:
- Four in ten of the population are aged fifty plus.
- One in five of the population are aged sixty-five and over.
- By 2040 one in four people will be aged sixty-five and over.
Age Friendly Calderdale is the movement working to ensure Calderdale is an age friendly place. A place where people have strong social networks and live in vibrant communities.
The movement is led by the Calderdale Ageing Well Alliance. The Alliance is a collaboration between statutory and voluntary organisations in Calderdale.
The alliance challenges negative stereotypes about ageing. It does this by supporting people and organisations to be more age-inclusive and to promote age friendly practices.
Age friendly practices relate to:
- Positive employment and later-life training.
- Better homes.
- Access to safe and vibrant communities.
Age Friendly Communities
We are a member of the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities. This is part of a global movement led by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Age Friendly Communities have been developed from evidence of what supports healthy and active ageing in communities. Their Age Friendly framework includes eight themes to improve communities to meet the needs of older people.
Older people in Calderdale stated six themes as being central to an Age Friendly community:
- Accessibility.
- Housing.
- Getting about.
- Things to do.
- Safety and belonging.
- Employment and volunteering
Age Friendly Calderdale Network
Age Friendly Calderdale would like to establish a network for older people that will aim to:
- Champion the voices of those aged 50 plus.
- Provide a supportive and empowering place to share ideas and develop priorities for making Calderdale an Age Friendly Community.
- Provide opportunities to get together, share experience and work on projects that enable us all to age well.
- Challenge ageism.
If you would like to get involved in the network please get in touch via agefriendly@calderdale.gov.uk.
Calderdale Forum 50 Plus
Calderdale Forum 50 Plus is a community group and online newspaper. The forum provides vital national and local information for people aged 50 and over.
The forum publishes news stories and information and guidance. This includes key later life issues such as housing, benefits and finance. Also care of all kinds and physical and mental health.
The forum signposts and connects people aged over 50 to:
- Local groups.
- Clubs.
- Societies.
- Charities.
- Events.
- Service providers.
Their In Touch Directory hosts over 200 groups and activities aimed at connecting the over 50s to things to do.
The Calderdale Forum 50 Plus website, and social media feeds (Facebook and X/Twitter) are updated several times each week. An e-newsletter is published monthly.
The forum works in partnership with local bodies. These include Age UK, Active Calderdale, Calderdale Council, Calderdale Dementia Friendly Community, and Disability Partnership Calderdale.
Projects in Calderdale
Age-friendly Employer Pledge
We have signed up to this in Calderdale. It is a nationwide programme for employers who recognise the importance and value of older workers.
Employers commit to improve work practices and conditions for people in their 50s and 60s.
Rightsizing Campaign
This is about finding a home that is right for now and in the future. This could mean:
- Moving to a smaller home or somewhere on one level.
- Moving near family or staying close to shops and health care.
- Exploring supported living or retirement options.
There are many different rightsizing options available in Calderdale.
Community information directory (Calder Connect)
This is a free interactive directory that brings together information, advice and guidance for older people in one place.
There is information about community groups, activities organisations and services that support the health and wellbeing of older people.
Age friendly standard
We are working on this along with Age UK Calderdale and Calderdale Dementia Hub.
The standard recognises the commitment of shops and businesses to meet the needs of older people and those with dementia.
Improving accessibility for older people in Calderdale
Access audits have been completed in our parks and town centres by Visits Unlimited and and Disability Partnership Calderdale.
Accessible Calderdale guides and resources are being developed by CultureDale.
Events and campaigns
We support and promote events and campaigns throughout the year.
- Dementia Action Week.
- Carers Week.
- Pension Awareness Week.
- Falls Prevention Week.
- International Day of Older Persons.
- Get Online Week.
- National Older Workers Week.
For more information or to get involved with Age Friendly Calderdale, please email: agefriendly@calderdale.gov.uk.
Ageing Well Survey 2024
To see the results and read about what the Ageing Well Alliance is doing, please see:
Links and key documents
- Ageing Well.
- UK Network of Age Friendly Communities (Centre for Ageing Better).
