Leeds City Council becomes the first local authority to commit to a new shared vision promoting healthy ageing

Leeds City Council is the first local authority to join over 60 leading public and voluntary sector organisations to commit to a shared vision for healthy ageing. The vision is set out in a landmark consensus statement created by Centre for Ageing Better and Public Health England (PHE).

Leeds City Council joins organisations such as the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to commit to five principles for healthy ageing. The five aims are prioritising prevention, creating opportunities for people to contribute to society as they age, narrowing inequalities, fostering inclusive homes, workplaces and communities, and challenging ageist attitudes.

This initiative will help to make Leeds the Best City for ageing and growing old, as residents will have access to a safer and healthier community and it will also improve their lives and wellbeing in the long term.

The consensus statement was published alongside a new YouGov survey, which shows that having good mental and physical health are among the top priorities for a high quality of life among 40-60-year-olds, along with financial security and being able to see family and friends.

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council's  executive member for health, wellbeing and adults and chair of Leeds health and wellbeing board, said:

“I am delighted that Leeds will be a part of this fantastic initiative. As Chair of the Age Friendly Leeds Board, I am passionately committed to making Leeds the best city to grow old in – and this will bring our city one step closer to achieving that ambition. Working with our dedicated partners across the city, from all sectors, I’m proud that the council is already working hard to put the best conditions in place for people to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives by providing high quality services. Joining the consensus statement further demonstrates our commitment to make Leeds a safer, healthier and more accessible place for people as they get older and I can’t wait to see this vital work develop.”

Notes to editors:

Age Friendly Leeds as part of Best Council Plan

Leeds City Council’s Best Council Plan 2019-2020 includes the ambition to make Leeds the Best City to Grow Old. Working towards this aim, Age Friendly Leeds is an initiative to make older people feel valued, respected and appreciated.

A consensus on healthy ageing

This consensus statement defines the shared commitment of the signatory organisations. It is the first time that such a wide range of organisations have come together to voice their intention to promote healthy ageing. Signatories span the areas of health, employment, housing and communities, and are from academia, local government, the NHS, and the public and voluntary sectors.

PHE and the Centre for Ageing Better will continue to work with signatories and interested organisations to develop and promote good practice, share learning and experience, and inspire others so everyone can look forward to a healthy later life.

To find out more about the Healthy ageing: consensus statement, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/healthy-ageing-consensus-statement

For more statistics from the YouGov survey concerning healthy ageing, access https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-10/YouGov-polling-data-healthy-ageing.pdf.

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council press office, 0113 378 6007

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk