York is being recognised as a leading example of how cities can support healthy and independent ageing.
The city has introduced a range of improvements to support older residents and ensure they can remain independent and active for longer.
These changes include accessible seating, improved mapping of dropped kerbs, extended street crossing times, and upgrades to public spaces — all supported by the World Health Organisation.
Will Harrison, founder of mobility retailer CareCo, said: "York is a city that’s truly redefining what it means for a city to be accessible.
"We’ve heard so many stories from people around the UK who find their lifestyle increasingly intimidating with age, so it's encouraging to see York taking such a practical approach to helping people.
"There have been a few key changes implemented across the city that made it the perfect place for us to open our CareCo showroom, and we hope other towns and cities can look at what York is doing and see what could work in their own communities."
The city’s improvements focus on practical, everyday accessibility — such as seating with back and armrests, space for wheelchair users, and 'happy to chat' benches promoting social interaction.
Additional changes include dropped kerbs and longer crossing times to improve mobility for those using aids, wheelchairs, or scooters.
York has also worked to make public toilets, parks, and pathways more accessible, with schemes like 'For Your Convenience' and upgrades to green spaces including Rowntree Park.
Professor Dianne Willcocks CBE, vice chair of the York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA), said: "York is a really good place to grow older because older people are genuinely at the heart of the community.
"Through my work with the York Older People’s Assembly and helping to organise the 50+ Festival, I see first-hand just how much there is for older people to get involved in, whether that's social, physical, or creative activities, or simply having the opportunity to meet people and try something new."
She praised the city’s efforts to keep older people connected and included, while also recognising the ongoing challenges in a time of limited resources.