At a celebratory event held at Eirianfa Community Centre in Denbigh on Friday 24th October, the Ageing Well in Denbighshire team were joined by special guest Rhian Bowen-Davies, Older People's Commissioner for Wales to celebrate Denbighshire becoming a member of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
During the event, attendees received talks from former and current chairs of the Ageing Well in Denbighshire network, who plotted their journey so far, and how the World Health Organisation Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities membership was achieved.
An interactive session named ‘Ways to age well’ saw a panel of younger people pose insightful, thoughtful and intriguing questions to a similar sized panel of older citizens, a fun and interesting way to bridge the gap between the older and younger generation.
Older People’s Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies led a talk explaining her role and the importance of ageing well, where attendees also had the chance to ask questions.
Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said:
“It was fantastic to be joined in our celebration of becoming of a member of the World Health Organisation’s Network by Rhian Bowen-Davies, Older People's Commissioner for Wales.
“Celebrating this success would not have been possible without the hard work of dedicated Ageing Well in Denbighshire partners.
“It’s a fantastic achievement, but only marks the beginning of our journey to continue to make Denbighshire a great place to grow older.”
Rhian Bowen-Davies, Older People's Commissioner for Wales said:
“It was great to be back in North Wales to celebrate Denbighshire joining the WHO’s Global Network, recognising all of the hard work being delivered across the county to make communities age-friendly and support people to age well.
“It was also really interesting to learn more about Denbighshire’s Ageing Well journey so far, and the ways in which the team have worked with older people and other partners to achieve so much, overcoming a range of challenges along the way.
“As always, I really enjoyed talking with older people about my role, answering their questions and hearing directly about the change and improvements they’d like to see, which is always hugely valuable.
“Thanks to everyone involved for giving me such a warm welcome, and a huge well done for having your achievements recognised on the world stage!”
