Age Friendly Dorset

We want to make Dorset a place where growing older means living better, and where every generation enjoys a good life. In October 2025, we became the UK’s 100th local authority to register as an age-friendly community with the Centre for Ageing Better. 

What are age-friendly communities?

An age-friendly community is a place that supports older adults to stay active, take part in local activities, and continue making a difference. By making our spaces and services accessible and welcoming, and by challenging stereotypes about age, we help ensure that everyone can feel included and valued as they grow older. Learn more about age-friendly communities. 

Introducing Age Friendly Dorset

Councillor Steve Robinson (Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care) introduces Age Friendly Dorset in this video.

Survey update

The survey is now closed, with more than 700 responses. We have looked at the details and can see what’s working, what could be better and what people want for the future. We have now completed our analysis, and you can read the full report Understanding Ageing in Dorset: Key Findings from the Age-Friendly Survey. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Looking ahead

The survey, combined with other data sets and public conversation and insight, will lead us to create an action plan. This work is now well under a way.  The plan will give us clear set of tasks across the 8 domains and will set out our plan for the next few years.  We should be able to share our first version of the plan in the early autumn.

From July through to September, we are delivering the first Age Friendly Town & Parish Councils, with a second cohort to begin in the new year. 

Age Friendly Ambassadors

We have launched Age Friendly Ambassadors. This opportunity is open to anyone who wants to support the aims of Age Friendly Dorset and show their commitment to older people.

Age Friendly Ambassadors:
  • are members of the public who support the work of Age Friendly Dorset
  • receive a pin badge and a formal letter of welcome
  • get free online training
  • receive a regular newsletter
Anyone can become an Ambassador, whatever their age. It’s free to join.

Read the Age Friendly Ambassadors role description and apply for membership.

Keep in touch

Your thoughts and feedback will continue to shape a countywide action plan to make Dorset Age Friendly.  
 
You can email us at [email protected].
 

Support for older people 

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