Ferm-Omagh-Age-Friendly-Strategy-26-30-1

4 I Age Friendly Strategy 2026 - 2030 Age Friendly Strategy 2026 - 2030 I 5 Working in partnership with the PHA, FODC has developed an Age Friendly Strategy and a corresponding four year Action Plan for the district. This new Strategy builds on the work completed under the previous one, drawing on the learning, experiences and achievements outlined in more detail in Appendix I. The previous Strategy saw valuable connections being made, including establishing an Age Friendly Alliance (AFA) for the district. The continual development of this Alliance will be key to implementing the new Strategy and Action Plan. Through the Age Sector Network for the district - SWAP – older people will play a central role in moving towards an Age Friendly district. The Strategy and Action Plan process has been led by the cross sectoral AFA and informed by robust consultation, including a district wide survey (July 2023 – Jan 2024) which attracted 925 responses from people aged 50 years plus to ensure a community led process in identifying need. This has been supported by statistical evidence including census population data, with the survey providing additional detail and direction. The consultation process also engaged directly with older people through a series of focus groups facilitated through SWAP and aligned with the eight Age Friendly domains identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which are as follows: Defining Age Friendly The WHO developed the Age Friendly Communities Framework in consultation with older people, aiming to connect cities, communities and organisations across the globe with a shared vision of establishing their region as a positive place to grow old through its eight cross- cutting domains. The Framework recognises that Age Friendly environments are created by developing and promoting accessible, empowered, inclusive and safe communities where age is not an obstacle to living well and where infrastructure, activities and services are accessible to older people. This vision can only be achieved if the wellbeing and participation of older people is valued and encouraged by all stakeholders, including statutory bodies, service providers, community and voluntary based groups. 2. Context for the Fermanagh and Omagh Age Friendly Strategy To enable this, FODC, in partnership with SWAP, set up the AFA to ensure a co-ordinated approach which avoids duplication and adds value to service delivery where possible. Participation by SWAP in the AFA also ensures direct engagement with older people and the ability for partners to reach older people across the district through SWAP member groups and cluster meetings. Detail on Age Friendly governance and structures are set out later in this document, providing a people centred approach for partnership working and efficient delivery. 1 For the purposes of this Strategy, older people are defined as those aged 60 years and above. However, in certain instances, the evidence presented may relate to a slightly different age cohort, due to limited data availability and these will be noted accordingly. The Fermanagh Omagh AFA recognises the cross sectoral nature of the Age Friendly agenda. Our ageing population has an impact on a range of policy areas including health, transport, infrastructure and inclusion. A tailored action plan will better enable strategic partners and service providers respond to the needs of older citizens across FODC, improving access to services and adopting Age Friendly delivery practices to enable the district’s older people to lead independent, engaged and socially connected lives. This includes the opportunity to participate in community life through removal of barriers and contributing to decision making on issues impacting older people. Outdoor space and buildings Transportation Housing Social Participation Respect and Social Inclusion Community and Health Care Communication and Information Civic Participation and Employment Image courtesy of The Centre for Ageing Better.