Incheon City announced on the 27th that it has received certification for joining the World Health Organization (WHO) Age-friendly City international network.
An age-friendly city is a program promoted by WHO since 2006 to improve the quality of life for the elderly. It refers to a city where aging is not inconvenient and where people of all ages can participate actively and healthily in society.
Cities must meet standards across 84 items in 8 areas including transportation, housing, and social participation. Currently, over 1,400 cities in 51 countries are members, and 45 cities in South Korea, including Seoul and Busan, have obtained certification.
Previously, Incheon City prepared a first-phase, three-year implementation plan for the age-friendly city in July last year to obtain the international network certification. The city reorganized and included the 8 major areas specified by the WHO guide into its own 5 major areas, encompassing 13 tasks and 62 detailed projects.
Additionally, to increase citizen interest and participation in building an age-friendly environment, since 2021, the city has operated the 50+ Age-friendly Monitoring Group, conducting surveys on the 8 major areas and reflecting the results in policies.
Furthermore, the Senior Policy Advisory Committee, established in 2004, performs various roles to ensure a happy old age and stable support. The "Basic Ordinance on Senior Welfare Support for the Realization of an Age-friendly City," enacted in April 2015, serves as a solid institutional foundation for implementing an age-friendly city.
Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, "Taking this opportunity of certification for the Age-friendly City international network, we will do our utmost to create an age-friendly city where seniors feel comfortable and happy, and to open an aging society where the quality of life for all generations is improved."
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