'Ageing well' label for towns

COMMUNES that look after their elderly people well are to be accredited with a “Bien Vieillir” (Ageing Well) label.

The idea was launched by Nora Berra along with Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot.

It is estimated that by 2030 28% of the French population will be aged over 65 and the government says is important to be ready to cope by improving facilities now, starting at local level.

The scheme is organised in partnership with the Association des Maires de France and a parliamentary association called Vivre Ensemble (Live Together).

In each commune which is to have the label there must local councillor in charge of scheme.

The communes must pledge to make a study of facilities for the elderly in their area, draw up an action plan for improvement, act on it and evaluate the results.

Aspects studied will include transport, accommodation, services, town planning and social factors.

Ms Bachelot said the aim was to people “live full, rich lives in best possible physical and psychological conditions.”

The first towns to get the accreditation are:

Bar-le-Duc
Bey
Breuillet
Canejan
Canohes
Carquefou
Cherbourg-Octeville
Clapiers
Courbevoie
Deuil-la-Barre
Eybens
Fournels
Ivry-sur-Seine
La Garde
Le Havre
Limonest
Marseille
Metz
Nice
Quatzenheim
Quimper
Rennes
Rive de Gier
Rouvroy
Saint-Denis
Saint Etienne de Saint-Geoirs
Saint-Maur-des-Fosses
Sceaux
Schoelcher
Sete
Tours
Troyes
Versailles
Villeurbanne