To receive a presentation and discussion on the Older Adults priority area. 

The Board received a presentation on the development of the Age Friendly Torbay initiative and its role as a priority within the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2030. The presentation highlighted the need to view an ageing population as a community asset and strength, recognising that health, social connections, housing, transport, digital inclusion and attitudes towards ageing all contribute to healthy ageing. The Board was reminded that the creation of an Age Friendly Torbay formed a recommendation from the previous year's healthy ageing work and was now a key strategic priority.

Members heard that an age-friendly community was one that enabled people to age well, remain independent for as long as possible, continue living in their own homes, participate in activities that matter to them and contribute to their communities. The presentation emphasised the importance of creating environments and services that promote rather than limit independence.

The Board received an update regarding the work of the Torbay Citizens Assembly, which provided an independent voice for residents and works with older adults to identify priorities for action. Feedback from residents highlighted the importance of maintaining physical activity, social connections, mental stimulation and creative pursuits in supporting health and wellbeing in later life.

The Assembly's work identified a number of priorities relating to health and care services, including accessible and affordable services, support that promoted dignity and independence, improved communication and engagement, continuity of care, better access to GP appointments, transport improvements and a stronger focus on preventative and enabling services delivered closer to people's communities. Members noted positive developments including the Torquay Diagnostic Centre and the national focus on shifting care from hospitals into communities.

An update was also provided on transport-related activity. Feedback from residents identified buses, trains, personal transport and highways as key priorities. Through the Community Transport Forum, residents, transport providers and the Council had worked collaboratively to influence service improvements including the transition to a largely electric bus fleet, upgraded bus shelters, improved timetable information and the rollout of digital information screens. Further work was planned around passenger feedback, accessibility improvements, age-friendly transport behaviours and digital support sessions to increase confidence in using public transport technology.

The Board heard that housing was another significant priority for older residents. Engagement with residents highlighted the importance of ensuring housing developments were located appropriately, remain affordable and provide access to transport and local services. The Citizen’s Assembly had contributed to the review of the Council's Housing Strategy and had worked with planning and regeneration teams to ensure the views of older residents were reflected in future plans.

Members were introduced to the concept of an "All Age Friendly Torbay" approach, bringing together the principles of Child Friendly and Age Friendly communities. This approach sought to create inclusive communities where people could thrive at every stage of life through coordinated work around housing, transport, accessibility, community participation, access to services, health and wellbeing, communication, partnership working and intergenerational opportunities.

The presentation concluded by outlining the next steps for the programme, including measuring the impact of current activities, progressing work across the age-friendly domains, embedding age-friendly principles within neighbourhood health initiatives and encouraging partner organisations to consider how their policies, services, employment practices and volunteering opportunities could better support an ageing population. The Board was invited to reflect on the role of partners in promoting age-friendly communities across Torbay.