Ghent becomes first 'age-friendly city' in Flanders
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised Ghent as the first "age-friendly city" in Flanders. The city received the label for its efforts to support the elderly. Fifteen cities and communities have already been recognised in Belgium, all of them in Brussels and Wallonia.
According to the WHO, Ghent has sufficiently adapted to the wishes and needs of older people. They assessed the city's application on eight criteria: transport, healthcare, housing, social participation, civic participation, accessibility of public domains and buildings, social inclusion and participation
Rudy Coddens of socialists Vooruit, responsible for senior policy, says the city council should recognise the participation of older people. "Older people are involved in Ghent through the elderly council, neighbourhood fairs, surveys and consultation sessions," he said on Tuesday. "This recognition is the icing on the cake of our policy and gives us the opportunity to exchange experiences with other cities."
The WHO has recognised 1,606 cities and towns in 53 countries worldwide as "age-friendly" communities.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELPRESS
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