Kozhikode: The city of Kozhikode has earned a place in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, thanks to the implementation of an age-friendly policy by the city corporation aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of senior citizens.

With this inclusion in the network, Kozhikode Corporation will now have the opportunity to learn from age-friendly infrastructure and practices being implemented in different parts of the world, and receive guidance for introducing similar initiatives locally. Mayor Dr Beena Philip described this recognition as an acknowledgement of the city’s commitment to building an inclusive and respectful urban environment where people of all ages can live with dignity and purpose.

Facilities such as daycare centres, safe spaces where the elderly can engage in conversation, and seminars tailored to senior citizens were key factors in the evaluation. A city is recognised as age-friendly when it creates spaces for the elderly to participate actively, with dignity and independence.

Following its recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature, Kozhikode now celebrates another honour — its inclusion among age-friendly cities, further reinforcing its progressive urban vision.

Beyond basic infrastructure, the WHO assesses engagement across eight core domains: social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, and housing — all of which influence the quality of life of older adults. The assessment also looked into whether there are sufficient opportunities for social and civic involvement, as well as employment for senior citizens, as part of efforts to counter the challenges of ageing.