About Us
Our Vision
We want Hertfordshire to be the best county to age in – where everyone remains valued and can live healthier, happier, and safer lives for longer.
Age Friendly Hertfordshire is a countywide programme working with residents, local councils, health services, and community groups to create places where older people feel empowered, respected and connected.
We know that by working together and listening to people aged 55+, we can shape neighbourhoods and communities where everyone can thrive – regardless of age.
Why It Matters
People in Hertfordshire are living longer, but many face challenges as they age – like feeling lonely, struggling with transport or lack of rest spots, or finding services hard to access. These issues can often be avoided by making small changes to how we design our communities and treat one another.
By 2043, over 23% of Hertfordshire’s population will be over 65, compared to 18% today. This growing ageing population brings both challenges and opportunities.
Creating an Age-Friendly Hertfordshire means improving everyday life for older people – but it also benefits everyone. It can reduce pressure on health and care services, boost mental wellbeing, support local businesses, and strengthen our communities by helping people stay active, independent, and connected.
Age Friendly Hertfordshire Findings
Age Friendly Hertfordshire: Baseline Assessment Report
Hertfordshire is proud to be the first upper-tier county in the UK to join the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities. We are working with residents, professionals and organisations to make Hertfordshire the best county to age in.
Find out what over 3000 people aged 55+ in Hertfordshire have already told us.
Age Friendly Hertfordshire is a countywide programme working with residents, local councils, health services, and community groups to create places where older people feel empowered, respected and connected.
We know that by working together and listening to people aged 55+, we can shape neighbourhoods and communities where everyone can thrive – regardless of age.
Click here to view our findings
What We Are Doing
We are listening, learning, and taking action. Thousands of older people across Hertfordshire have already shared their views through surveys, focus groups, and community events.
We are using this feedback to advocate for positive change – from more benches and better bus stops, to stronger social connections and clearer, more accessible communication from health and community services. We are working in partnership with councils, the NHS, voluntary groups, and residents to create lasting improvements that support people to age well.
We are proud that Hertfordshire has been officially recognised by the Centre for Ageing Better as an Age Friendly Community, becoming the first upper-tier county in the UK to achieve this status. This means we have joined the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities – a growing national and global movement committed to making communities better places to grow older.
This recognition is not the end point. It is the beginning of a long-term journey to remove barriers, reduce inequalities, and shape places where everyone can age happily, healthily, and safely.
Read our baseline report to see what older people told us.
See our next steps and action plan to find out how we are responding.
This is a partnership approach, rooted in lived experience and local voices – and together, we can build an Age Friendly Hertfordshire we would all benefit from living in.
Our Approach
Our work follows the World Health Organization’s Age Friendly Communities model. This involves improving eight key areas that influence how we age which are shown in the following diagram.
These Eight Key Areas focus on areas in our environment that can help older adults live well. The improvements we make depend on what each community needs. Age-friendly Communities bring together different partners and older people to make these changes. By focusing on these Eight Key Areas, Age-friendly Communities help older adults live healthy, active, and engaged lives.
Click on the Key Areas names below to find out more information
Communication & Information
Staying connected and getting timely information is crucial as we age. Age-friendly communities ensure information is accessible to everyone.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Offer digital skills training for older people.
- Produce newsletters in print and digital formats.
Run campaigns to ensure people know about benefits they’re entitled to.
Civic Participation & Employment
Age-friendly communities provide options for older people to continue working or volunteering. These activities benefit mental health and finances.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Support local employers to become age-friendly.
- Offer employment support to older jobseekers.
- Advertise accessible volunteering opportunities.
Respect & Social Inclusion
Age-friendly communities include everyone and treat them with respect. They challenge negative stereotypes about ageing.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Use positive images of older people in communications.
- Launch “Time for You” tills at supermarkets for those needing extra time.
- Celebrate older people’s contributions through events.
Social Participation
Participating in community activities is important for health and wellbeing. Age-friendly communities make sure activities are accessible to everyone.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Support initiatives for older residents to socialise and learn new skills.
- Work with local cafes and restaurants to provide chatter tables.
Arrange intergenerational workshops.
Community Support & Health Services
As the older population grows, the need for community support and health services increases. Age-friendly communities ensure health services are accessible and promote physical activity.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Launch local walking sports clubs.
- Distribute information on staying safe and well, especially in winter.
Make falls prevention programs appealing and accessible.
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
Public spaces and buildings affect our mobility, independence, and quality of life as we age. Age-friendly communities work to make these areas safe, accessible, and comfortable for everyone.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Map out benches or toilets in the area.
- Work with local businesses to provide places to rest.
Conduct walk audits with older people to improve pavements and crossings.
Transportation
Affordable, reliable, and convenient transport helps older people stay active and involved. Good transport is essential for shopping, meeting friends, and attending healthcare appointments.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Promote Journey Assistance Cards for extra support on public transport.
- Create community transport options.
- Offer cycling classes for older adults.
Housing
The right housing helps older people live comfortably and safely in their community. Good housing can improve health and social connections.
An Age-friendly Community might:
- Create a list of reliable maintenance workers.
- Use a checklist to assess the suitability of homes for older people.
- Offer free advice on housing options.
AWOL: Age Without Limits Campaign
This inspiring short film, created by and for older people in Hertfordshire, celebrates ageing on your own terms.
Herts: Ageing and Amazing challenges stereotypes and shows what it really means to live fully at any age. It features real voices, real stories – and a powerful reminder that growing older should not mean fading into the background.
Who's Involved
This is a joint effort. Age Friendly Hertfordshire is led by Age UK Hertfordshire and North Herts CVS, funded by Public Health Hertfordshire, and supported by local residents, councils, NHS services, voluntary organisations, and community leaders across the county. We would love to have you involved. To find out what you can do or find out more information click here
Our 4 Pillars
We have grouped the eight World Health Organisation domains into four clear pillars that reflect the priorities of local people. Across all four areas, Respect & Social Inclusion and Communication & Information are the values that run through everything we do – our golden threads.
Home
Transport
Community Health & Wellbeing
Social Participation & Employment
2 Golden Threads
- Respect & Social Inclusion
Challenging ageism and ensuring everyone feels valued, empowered included and treated with respect. - Communication & Information
Making sure people get the information they need, in ways they can access and understand.