Plan to help Jersey's ageing population proposed

Calls have been made to improve planning policies to help Jersey's ageing population.

Deputy Inna Gardiner has lodged a proposition to create an "age-friendly infrastructure framework" to adapt planning standards to help elderly people.

She said the framework would have age-inclusive planning guidance, improve public transport accessibility and promote "10-minute neighbourhoods" to keep GPs, pharmacies, shops and parks within walking distance.

Gardiner said the island faced a "profound demographic shift" with Statistics Jersey suggesting the older population was expected to increase rapidly over the next 20-30 years.

The proposition also calls for a commitment to developing anti-slip pavements, doorways without steps and more public toilets and sheltered seating.

Gardiner said she felt the island's infrastructure and planning policies needed to adapt.

"This [framework] gives Jersey a rare opportunity to plan ahead to adapt our public spaces, transport networks, and services before they become inadequate," she added.

"Failure to do so will increase long-term dependency, health and care costs, and social isolation among older islanders."

The earliest date for debate of the proposition at the States Assembly is 8 July.

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