Inspired by the Christmas countdown tradition, this calendar offers daily opportunities to explore innovative ideas for creating more age-friendly outdoor environments. By introducing one new idea each day, Fabric+ invites everyone to participate and share feedback as we advance our age-friendly initiatives in the Arctic.

This idea is inspired by Skisporet.no, a platform that allows us to track the readiness of ski trails. Imagine if we could apply the same concept to monitor snowplow activity for our roads and sidewalks. Wouldn't that make planning our winter journeys safer and more efficient?

In addition to Skisporet, this idea was likewise inspired by the City of Ann Arbor in Michigan, Pori municipality in Finland, and in a few municipalities in Trøndelag in Norway.

Spikes (brodder) are a winter essential for staying safe on icy streets. But have you ever struggled to put them on or take them off, especially when some places don’t allow them indoors? Here’s an idea: On-off stations with seating! 🪑

These convenient spots would make it easier—and safer—for everyone to manage their spikes when transitioning between outdoor and indoor spaces.

This campaign encourages neighbors to walk together for added stability on icy streets, reducing falls and fostering a sense of community. With reflective bands ensuring visibility during dark winter days, it’s a simple yet powerful way to promote safety and connection.

Age-friendly signage is a statement of commitment to safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for seniors and individuals with reduced mobility. 🏷️💡

These signs highlight essential features like anti-slip entryways, rest areas, and accessible restrooms, making it easier for older residents to confidently visit shops—even during harsh winter months. ❄️🚪

The Age Friendly Business idea was initiated by the volunteer coordinator in Kampen Omsorg+ Manar Hassan El Shafei, in a workshop facilitated by Marieliz Morales Vega, Anne Berit Rafoss and us in Fabric+, citing Age Friendly Business Certification Program by the Age-friendly Cleveland Initiative.

Winter strolls can be more enjoyable with benches designed for comfort and accessibility. High armrests and optional roofs provide essential resting points along common paths, particularly for seniors and individuals with limited mobility. These thoughtful features reduce fatigue, improve balance, and lower fall risks—all while protecting users from harsh winter weather. 🌨️✨

This idea was inspired by inspired by examples found in Norway, not only from Hol kommune, but also in Langesund, and Midsandtangen.

Adding lights to rollators helps illuminate pathways, highlight potential hazards, and make users more visible to others. This simple enhancement promotes both safety and independence, ensuring everyone can move confidently—even during the darkest months of the year. 💡❄️

This idea was initiated by a older resident living in Omsorg Kampen+ during a workshop facilitated by Marieliz Morales Vega, Manar Hassan El Shafei and us in Fabric+.

Winter parks and public spaces illuminated with colorful lighting that ensures safety and charm! From pathways to seating areas, lighting can reduce fall risks and create a warm and lively atmosphere during the dark winter months. 🌈✨

This idea was inspired by the recommendations from the Winter Design Guidelines by the City of Edmonton.

Photo: Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Imagine a community-driven effort to keep our streets and pathways safe during winter! A checklist could help identify hazards like ice, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces. With the help of a community, we can create safer, more accessible environments for everyone—especially during the harsh winter months. 🌟

What if public transport came to you, no matter where you are? On-demand transportation offers safer winter mobility by providing flexible pickup locations, reducing the need to walk on icy or poorly maintained paths. ❄️🚶‍♀️

This solution enhances accessibility and independence, especially for those with mobility challenges, making every journey easier and more secure. 🌟

This idea is inspired by several examples in the Nordic countries, including here in Norway such as the pink buses in Oslo, and the Hent Meg in Bodø, among others. In Reykjavik, Iceland, driving services can be availed by older people. On the other hand, wheelchair users may rent a large vehicle for use in advance Eysturkommuna in the Faroe Islands.ion goes here

Better outdoor lighting not only brightens dark winter streets but also reduces the risk of accidents. By illuminating walkways, stairs, and public spaces, we can create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone, especially those with limited mobility. 💡🌨️

Outdoor handrails provide critical support for balance and mobility during icy winters. They make it easier for everyone—seniors, parents with strollers, and others—to navigate snowy and challenging paths safely. 🌟💡

Micro-plowing empowers community members to actively clear snow from sidewalks and pathways using small, DIY snow-clearing tools. This hands-on approach not only reduces the risk of slips and falls but also complements large-scale municipal efforts to create safer pedestrian routes. 🛠️🌨️

Accessible toilets provide critical relief points for pedestrians during cold winter months, helping to reduce overexertion and prevent accidents on icy surfaces. Conveniently placed facilities like these enhance mobility and encourage safer, more independent travel for everyone. 🌟

City sled trails offer a creative and practical way to navigate snowy paths, reducing the dangers of icy or uneven ground. Not only are they safe, but they also bring an element of fun and adventure to winter mobility! 🌨️🎉

This idea was inspired by a study on integrated soft mobility by Chapman and Larsson (2019), which highlights how winter surfaces, such as frozen bodies of water, can create opportunities for alternative modes of transport, including skiing, skating, and kick-sledding.

Imagine community pop-up shops where everyone can discover top-quality winter boots designed to conquer icy streets with confidence. With durable soles and exceptional grip, these boots empower safer walking, reduce slips and falls, and encourage more outdoor activity during winter months. 🌨️🚶‍♀️

Winter walks can be safer and more enjoyable with real-time navigation tools. These platforms help identify the best walking routes, avoiding icy patches and uneven paths, while promoting accessibility for all. 🌟

This idea was inspired by Pori, Finland's real-time snowplough monitoring system, which also gathers data on road slipperiness. Integrating these features into navigation apps could be a valuable tool for planning soft mobility, particularly for last-mile travel during winter.

Imagine public shared spaces where everyone can gather safely and comfortably, even in the heart of Arctic winters. With funding support, we can improve lighting, add heated pathways, and install anti-slip surfaces to reduce falls and enhance accessibility. 🛤️🌟

When winter limits access to community spaces, mobile libraries and creative workshops come to you! These services bring books, audiobooks, and movies for mental stimulation, while arts and crafts inspire creativity, social connection, and joy. ❄️✨

This idea is inspired by the Library Home Service in Tampere, Finland, which brings the library experience to those unable to visit in person. The service allows individuals or groups to borrow books, music, and movies free of charge, ensuring access to culture, knowledge, and entertainment for everyone, regardless of mobility or circumstances.

Clearing sidewalks before roadways ensures safer pedestrian mobility, especially for those using strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility aids. Ice-free sidewalks reduce the risk of slips and falls, making winter walking safer for everyone. 🌟

Social isolation can be a challenge for many older men after retirement, but spaces that combine purpose and connection can make all the difference. A mobile repair bus creates a unique opportunity to fix shoes, rollators, and electronics while fostering community through shared skills, stories, and coffee. 🚐✨