DECLARATION

I am delighted to declare today, on the 15th of June 2023, that we, the Kochi Municipal Corporation in the district of Ernakulam, Kerala State, are dedicated to becoming an Age Friendly city. With nearly 16.5% of population aged 60 and above, surpassing the national average, we recognize the significance of this demographic shift and the challenges it brings. In line with the age-friendly framework proposed by the World Health Organization, the Kochi Municipal Corporation is committed to promoting the well-being and active participation of older citizens, fostering their integration within society and addressing intergenerational gaps.

Furthermore, we are determined to develop a network of interested stakeholders in Kochi and also within and outside Kerala and also internationally along with the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. We will contribute to the development of knowledge in the field by sharing our progress through assessment reports, action plans, and monitoring and evaluation reports that can be accessed through a dedicated age friendly website (to be developed). We will be organizing meetings for network members at various levels to facilitate collaboration and learning. As part of our commitment, we will share our experiences from recent age-friendly activities and events with the Network, fostering knowledge exchange and seeking opportunities for collaboration wherever possible.

By signing this declaration, we affirm our dedication to building an age-friendly city where older citizens are valued, and their needs are met. We are committed to the safety and security of our older citizens, protecting them from any sort of abuse and exploitation. We pledge to consider the ageing population in all the policies and programs developed and implemented by us and actively engage in the dissemination of knowledge, foster collaboration, and contribute to the collective effort of creating age-friendly environments globally. Together, we can create a society that respects and supports people of all ages, ensuring a better future for generations to come.

ADV.M ANILKUMAR

Hon.Mayor Kochi Municipal corporation

15 June 2023

Kochi

Mayor

Kochi Municipal Corporation

Kochi joins WHO network with a goal to become age-friendly

Kochi in Kerala has become the first city in India to be a member of World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), which was established in 2010 to connect cities, communities and organizations worldwide to use a multisectoral approach to work collaboratively with older persons to create age-friendly physical and social environments for healthy and active ageing.“I am privileged to announce that Kochi is now a member of WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, and it is our vision to transform our beautiful city into an age-friendly city.

The WHO guidance framework for age-friendly cities focuses on enabling domains, such as transportation, housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, social and civic participation, social inclusion, community support, health services, employment, among others. By aligning with this framework, Kochi can transform into a city that values the needs and aspirations of our seniors and enhances the quality of life for all residents,” said Mr M. Anil Kumar, mayor, Kochi Municipal Corporation.

An age-friendly city encourages active ageing by augmenting opportunities for health, participation and security to enhance quality of life as people age by adapting its structures and services to be more accessible and inclusive of the varying needs and capacities of older persons.WHO GNAFCC currently includes 1542 cities and communities in 51 countries, covering over 320 million people worldwide. Though not an accreditation, the membership shows commitment of Kochi Municipal Corporation to develop an age-friendly environment, and also a platform to share experience, achievements and lessons learnt with other cities and communities.

There are 104 million people over the age of 60 years, constituting 8.6% of the population, according to the Census of India 2011. This number is projected to rise to around 317 million in 2050, accounting for 19.1% of the population, according to World Population Ageing 2017,India has several policies and programmes to promote and protect the health and rights of older persons, including National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) 1999, National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011, and National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly and the Geriatric package at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, among others.Among states in India, Kerala has among the highest numbers of people above the age of 60 years, accounting for 12.6% of the population, according to the Census of India 2011. These are projected to rise to 22.8 % in 2036, according to Population Projections for India and States 2011-36. Kerala Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Rules 2008, and State Old Age Policy 2013, address the needs of older persons to provide them a life of good health and dignity.

In Kerala, health care and support through mobile clinics, counselling, palliative support is provided to older people living in municipal areas under Vayomithram project, while Vayoraksha scheme for Senior Citizens addresses discrimination, exploitation, neglect and abuse. The Sayamprabha Home Scheme offers an environment that promotes social interaction and improves access to various government schemes for older persons.Kochi is the first city in India and second city in WHO South-East Asia Region (the first being Wellawaya in Sri Lanka) to become a member of the WHO GNAFCC.

Many Congratulations to Kochi upon becoming a member of a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (WHOGNAFCC) !!.

Our mission

To make Kochi City friendly to its citizens of all age with special focus on older persons in accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Age friendly” city guide and thus to create a model for rest of the country by reducing stereotyping and stigmatization in ageing.

Our vision

Our city's design is welcoming to people of all ages, fostering a sense of community and belonging. By serving as a model for age-friendly practices, we aim to inspire other cities and regions to embrace similar principles, ultimately fostering a more inclusive society nationwide.In our vision of an age-friendly city, we prioritize infrastructures and services that cater to the diverse needs of older individuals, promoting their empowerment and inclusion..

Our team

The Corporation Team for an Age Friendly City, led by Hon. Mayor, is dedicated to creating a community that supports and empowers older adults. With a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of life, they strive to make the city a welcoming place for residents of all ages.