Best and worst UK cities for older people named

Charity Friends of the Elderly have named Belfast as the UK’s top friendly city for older people, based on a survey of the qualities most important to adults over 60.

Edinburgh came in at second place in the results, with Southampton proving the highest ranked English city, followed by Plymouth in fourth and Newcastle in fifth.

London has been named as among the five cities who have the most work to do in adapting to the lives of older people and adults with conditions like dementia, accompanied by Sheffield, Cambridge, Coventry and York – although York’s council did reveal plans in 2012 to become a dementia-friendly city within a few years.

The survey looked at a wide range of factors to assess each city’s performance, these included general friendliness and respect, dementia awareness, housing, facilities, safety, public transport, and environment.

Belfast had the best overall score, although Friends of the Elderly also point out that some cities succeeded in performing highly in some aspects but were let down in others, for example Manchester performed well for friendliness, Norwich for safety and Birmingham for the quality of its facilities.

Friends of the Elderly chief executive, Richard Furze, comments: “This survey has indicated that the most important factor for the happiness and well-being of people over 60 is the level of respect shown towards them by society. In the top ‘Frienderly Towns’, people over 60 feel part of their community – involved, valued and included. They have opportunities to share their skills, volunteer, and don’t feel isolated. Ranking lowest on this survey, it is clear London has significant work to do in order to make the city friendlier for older people.

“People over the age of 60 make up nearly a quarter of our society and have a huge amount to contribute. They deserve to be treated with respect and have the opportunity to live fulfilled lives. Everyone can help to make our towns and cities more ‘Frienderly’ for older people. A simple gesture such as offering to help someone with their shopping or popping in for a chat with a neighbour living on their own can make a world of difference.

“The most concerning aspect of the survey is that there is such poor perception of provisions for people with dementia across the UK – even in the places considered most ‘Frienderly’. Dementia is a growing problem. Access to appropriate services and support are vital for these people and their families. Friends of the Elderly along with other charitable organisations and initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge are working hard to tackle this problem although there is a huge amount to be achieved.”