The Yerushalayim municipality has been inducted as a member into a program of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today.
“The WHO’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities has added the city of Jerusalem as a member of the network due to Jerusalem’s successful launch in 2014 of a master plan for the support of its senior citizens,” a Jerusalem spokesman told Tazpit Press Service (TPS).
According to the WHO, the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities was created in order to deal with the internationally growing phenomenon of aging populations and the increase of the average lifespan. It strives to better meet the needs of older residents and is committed to creating inclusive and accessible urban environments to benefit aging populations.
“Jerusalem is home to more than 70,000 residents above the age of 65, making it the city with the largest aging population in the country. We launched our senior citizen master plan to increase the quality of life of our older residents, including installing more public benches, an employment and volunteering center, health programs for senior citizens, and more,” the spokesman explained.
After the UN body recognized Jerusalem’s accomplishments in the field, the WHO inducted it as an official member of the network, which currently includes over 200 cities and communities from 33 different countries. The network allows its members the platform to share information and knowledge, participate in research, and to join or initiate international cooperative programs.
“The municipal master plan gave us the tools and the ability to develop programs and services that support and advance our senior citizens. They are the social anchor of our community,” stated Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat after receiving the certificate of membership in the WHO network.
Tazpit Press Service (TPS)
{Matzav.com Israel}
