'Ageing well' label for towns

A NEW ACCREDITATION SCHEME WILL RECOGNISE COMMUNES THAT LOOK AFTER THEIR ELDERLY PEOPLE WELL 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