'Slow routes' and 'safe haven' shops - how cities could become dementia friendly Studies suggest that up to 800,000 people in the UK are living with dementia - a figure expected to double in the next 30 years. The study concludes that relatively simple changes could make a major difference for elderly people suffering from confusion. For example, simplifying and reducing the number of street signs would make the city's narrow medieval streets easier to negotiate, they suggested. Based on a similar scheme in Bruges, Belgium, shops, banks and restaurants could be marked out as "safe havens" for dementia sufferers, with staff inside given special training to help them. Meanwhile a "slow route" could be marked out through the city centre, taking in parks and the riverbank, for those seeking a refuge from the bustle. And houses could be fitted with glass-fronted kitchen cupboards to help occupants cater for themselves more easily. "Most people want to try to carry on as normally as possible, for as long as possible, and they will persevere so long as they do not have to overcome additional obstacles or burdens," said Philly Hare, of the Foundation. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, hailed the report as offering a "beacon of hope" for all cities. "We should celebrate that people are living longer, healthier lives, but of course that means there will be some challenges for us as a society," he said. We need to adapt and refocus to ensure that we are caring for the most vulnerable around us. You can tell how healthy a society is by how it treats the most vulnerable. I am proud that York continues to lead the way on recognising that we have a responsibility to look out for those in need.