The Welsh Government has announced £1.1m to support Age Friendly
Officers across Wales.
The announcement reinforces the government's commitment to
celebrate and support older people's vital contributions to
communities.
It comes as International Day of Older People's Day is marked
today, with this year's theme being 'Building belonging:
Celebrating the power of our social connections'.
The funding will be split equally between local authorities in
2026-27, continuing the support which has been in place since
2022.
Age Friendly Officers are vital in empowering older people to
take active roles in their communities whilst building strong
connections with third sector organisations. This has led to
numerous local activities designed with and for older people.
Older people have a crucial role in creating social connections
with 38% of those over 65 volunteering – the highest figure of
any age group.
Wales continues to lead in tackling the issue of ageism and
developing innovative policy with older people. The nation
established the world's first Older People's Commissioner in
2008.
Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for older
people, , said: "Today is all
about celebrating the crucial role that older people play in
creating social connections with others; from a nod and a smile
as we pass a stranger to nurturing and lasting relationships that
develop through shared values and interests.
“With so many people celebrating Older People's Day in Wales, and
across the world, I want to send a strong message that older
people's contributions need to be recognised and celebrated –
everyone has value regardless of age or circumstance.
“I am pleased to announce £1.1m funding for Age Friendly Officers
to continue to provide important support for older people in
their communities."
