A file image of the famous raintrees in Taipings Lake Gardens. Abd Rahim says the town is often called a pensioners paradise.

THE Taiping Municipal Council plans to turn the town into a senior citizen-friendly town.

Council President Datuk Abd Rahim Md Ariff said the council is looking into rebranding the town, making it more conducive to senior citizens, in line with guidelines for the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network of Aged-Friendly Cities.

“Taiping is a heritage town that is also fondly referred to as a ‘pensioners’ paradise’. We need to continue maintaining our status as Heritage Town and also rejuvenate it to have better surroundings and as a liveable city,” he said during a town hall meeting recently.

Abd Rahim said WHO statistics show that the global population, including senior citizens, is increasing.

A file image of Taiping viewed from Bukit Larut. The local council intends to make the town more conducive for senior citizens.

“The ratio of those aged 60 and above compared to global citizens will increase from 11% in 2006 to 22% in 2050.

“There will be more senior citizens than children aged below five years by then,” he said, adding there are now 33 cities in 22 countries under the WHO programme started in 2006.

Abd Rahim said the municipal council has identified several strategic partners to plan and execute this.

“Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Malaysian Research Institute on Aging, has come forward with its expertise as a main partner and consultant.

“We have also identified several other agencies and non-governmental organisations to contribute to this plan, including the setting up of universal facilities,” he said.

“We will coordinate and bring together the parties involved towards the goal,” he added.