Chiayi City in southern Taiwan is emerging as a model for dementia-friendly communities. By integrating healthcare, social services, legal assistance, and community participation, the city has built a supportive framework that helps people living with dementia remain active, secure, and connected.
Driven by forward-thinking leadership and broad community partnerships, this holistic approach has attracted growing interest from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and aging specialists worldwide.
A strong foundation in age-friendly development
Chiayi City’s journey toward becoming a global model began over a decade ago. In 2011, under the leadership of Mayor Huang Min-hui, Chiayi City became the very first city in Taiwan to sign the Dublin Declaration, establishing it as a “High-Age Friendly Demonstration City.” It also stands proudly as one of the 30 founding member cities of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
Today, with dementia affecting nearly 4,000 residents in the city, local authorities continue to strengthen policies that support both patients and their families while promoting active and healthy aging throughout the community.
The ‘Six Arrows’ strategy: A comprehensive approach to dementia care
At the heart of Chiayi City’s success is its innovative “Yi-Jia-Ren Six Arrows” Dementia Care Program. Rather than focusing solely on medical treatment, the initiative addresses the practical, emotional, legal, and environmental challenges faced by individuals living with dementia.
The six key strategies include:
- Expanding dementia screening through partnerships with community clinics to enable early detection and intervention.
- Providing psychological support and counseling at the point of diagnosis to assist patients and families.
- Offering free legal consultation services to help families address guardianship, financial, and legal issues.
- Establishing specialized support programs for people with young-onset dementia and their caregivers.
- Conducting home safety assessments and environmental modifications to reduce risks and improve daily living.
- Publishing dementia-friendly home design guidelines tailored to different housing environments.
Together, these measures create a seamless support system that accompanies individuals and families throughout their dementia journey.
Learning globally, acting locally
Chiayi City’s leadership extends beyond local services. The city has actively promoted international collaboration and knowledge exchange in dementia care.
At the Dementia International Conference hosted by Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, presented its dementia-friendly initiatives to nearly 500 healthcare and long-term care professionals from Taiwan and abroad.
The conference featured renowned experts, including Dr. Katsuya Urakami of Japan’s Tottori University, who shared research on preventing vascular dementia through cardiovascular health management and cognitive training. Participants also heard from Dr. Jennifer Bute, a British physician living with dementia, who emphasized the importance of familiarity, dignity, and safety in healthcare environments.
These exchanges have enabled Chiayi City to integrate global best practices into local policies while sharing its own successful experiences with the international community.
Creating a society of inclusion and dignity
Beyond healthcare services and policy innovation, Chiayi City’s greatest achievement may be its effort to change public attitudes toward dementia.
Through education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement, the city is working to reduce stigma and encourage early diagnosis. Residents are increasingly learning to view dementia not as a condition to be hidden, but as a challenge that communities can address together.
By connecting hospitals, community care centers, social services, and neighborhood support networks, Chiayi City has created an environment where people living with dementia can remain active, engaged, and respected members of society.
A blueprint for aging societies worldwide
As countries around the world confront the realities of aging populations, Chiayi City offers an inspiring example of what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration, and compassion.
By combining forward-looking policies, community-based care, and international engagement, this vibrant Taiwanese city has transformed itself into a model of dementia-friendly living. Its experience demonstrates that with the right support systems in place, people with dementia can continue to live with dignity, independence, and hope — while communities grow stronger through inclusion and care.
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