Gurye-gun Obtains World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly City Certification

Published 23 Jan.2024 13:49(KST)

Recognizing the Super-Aged Society Issue and Making Multifaceted Efforts for Solutions

Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on January 23 that it held a plaque ceremony at the Gurye-gun Office to commemorate its certification as an Age-friendly City by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On the 15th, the county was internationally recognized for acknowledging and addressing the super-aging issue in various ways by being approved for membership in the WHO Age-friendly Cities International Network.

[Photo by Gurye-gun]

An Age-friendly City is a program promoted by the World Health Organization to effectively respond to aging issues and improve the quality of life for the elderly within the city. It refers to a city where aging is not inconvenient and where people of all ages can participate actively and healthily in society.

To receive Age-friendly City certification, a city must meet the WHO’s requirements in areas such as ▲ external environment and facilities ▲ convenience of transportation ▲ stability of residential environment ▲ leisure and social activities ▲ respect and social inclusion ▲ social participation and employment ▲ communication and information ▲ community care and medical services.

Attending the plaque ceremony on the 23rd were Kim Soon-ho, Mayor of Gurye-gun, Lee Gil-yong, Deputy Mayor, Yoo Si-moon, Chairman of the Gurye-gun Council, council members, Son Byung-kwan, President of the Senior Citizens Association, and Lee Jong-seok, Director of the Senior College.

The county plans to promote 60 detailed projects over the next three years with the goals of creating a "vibrant participatory city," a "healing city where people want to stay," and a "safe city blooming with smiles."

Through this, they plan to create a barrier-free (BF) living environment and establish a living space that benefits not only the elderly but all residents of the county.

Mayor Kim Soon-ho said, “By referring to the WHO guidelines and best practices from member cities of the international network, we will create a Gurye-style Age-friendly City where not only the elderly but all generations can enjoy a happy life.”