CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has joined a worldwide network of communities committed to becoming better places for people of all ages to grow older.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed CWaC borough as a member of their global network for age-friendly cities and communities, a community committed to promoting healthy and active ageing and creating great places to live across the UK.

Anna Dixon, chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Communities must be inclusive of people of all ages and abilities. We’re delighted Cheshire West and Chester has joined a growing movement of communities working to ensure everyone has an enjoyable later life.”

“We want to ensure living longer is matched by living more fulfilling lives and staying connected to the community.”

In Cheshire West and Chester, the number of people aged over 85 will more than double, to almost 20,000, by 2035 and the number of over 65s will increase by almost half to more than 100,000.

Many people are living with complex health conditions and there are over 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK.

Cllr Samantha Dixon, council leader, said: “Ensuring that older people and adults requiring additional support are able to lead fulfilled and independent lives is a council priority. The movement provides a positive focus for working together with older people to develop an age-friendly culture.

“The approach to is being developed with, and shaped by, our communities. I would encourage all our residents to get involved, to help make our borough more age-friendly and inclusive for everyone.”

Dr Jonathan Griffiths, deputy chair of the council health and wellbeing board, said: “Taking a positive approach to ageing is so important. As an ageing society there are implications for us all in terms of workforce, education, housing, health and care.

“The Health and Wellbeing Board is pleased to have been recognised by the World Health Organisation for the work we are doing together to embrace these issues and make Cheshire West and Chester a better place to grow older.”

Participating organisations include Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Older Peoples Network, Brightlife, Brightlife’s Older People’s Alliance, Alzheimer’s Society, NHS West Cheshire and Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Groups, Age UK Cheshire, the University of Chester and Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, Cheshire Community Action and the Dementia Action Alliance.