Norwich awarded Age Friendly City status!

Age UK Norwich and Norwich City Council have been working together to plan for the application as well as create a current State of Ageing report for Norwich, looking at areas of targeted improvement and best practice.

By 2040 it is expected that over 40% of Norfolk’s population will be over the working age threshold, with the population of 85+ expected to double in size. Age Friendly Employers will create a network of best practice, looking at how we can maximise the potential of our over 50s workforce and better support them into and through their employment journey.

Councillor Mike Stonard stated: “The council’s commitment to creating a fairer Norwich, where older residents are active, connected, and supported, is key priority in our Community-Led Plan. Partnering with Age UK Norwich, we want to enhance the experience of age and ensure the voices of older residents are heard, nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community for all.”

William Armstrong OBE, Patron of Age UK Norwich and Honorary President of Healthwatch Norfolk spoke of the projects ambitions ‘Ageing is a privilege, not gifted to everyone. We must therefore make Norwich an inclusive city where age does not limit aspi­ration or opportunity and where the quality of later life is a marker of our City’s unique character, culture and sense of commu­nity.”’

Celebrating the culmination of this work, and the official launch of Age Friendly Norwich project, a celebration was held at City Hall this week. Next steps will include seeking feedback from residents about aging in Norwich, reviewing accessiblitly and promoting employment best practices.