City endorses standards for elderly

Tomorrow, Sheffield Council is set to endorse the “Dublin Declaration”, an international benchmark, which will record the city’s commitment to facilities for all generations – particularly into old age.

In 2010, Sheffield had the highest proportion of people aged over 65 compared to the other English core cities, and recent population estimates have shown that there are currently 11,849 people aged over 85 in the city.

By signing the declaration, Sheffield Council will pledge to promote and support issues such as easily accessible community support and health services.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for health, said: “Where we live, our physical, social and cultural environment, greatly impacts upon how we live and age.

“This means we need to equip ourselves, both individually and as a city, to have a happy and healthy older age and this means how we live during our lives.”