Ageing in the Arctic

Diagnostic Study (2022-2023)

Explores how accessible urban spaces and environments are perceived by the elderly in winter, highlighting the main challenges in developing and maintaining age-friendly cities year-round. You can read the full report here.

  • The findings were described as “groundbreaking” by Design og arkitektur Norge (DOGA).

  • Consulted 300 elderly residents and related stakeholders.

  • Resulted in further initiatives and an increased geographical reach of the theme, extending from additional municipalities in Norway to the Nordic-Atlantic region and even internationally (through Walk21).

Key Achievements

Main Deliverable
Ageing in the Arctic: Innsiktsrapport (NO)

Ageing in the Arctic: Insights Report (EN)

Client
Forskningsrådet, Design og arkitektur Norge (DOGA)

Collaborators
Bodø kommune, Senter for et aldersvennlig Norge

Location
Bodø / Nordland / Norway

Key Fabric+ services

  • Service and Systems-oriented Design Processes

  • Developing Age-Friendly Spaces and Services

  • Stakeholder Engagement

In-charge
Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan

How is ageing actually experienced in the Arctic?

Ageing in the Arctic was initiated and conducted by Fabric+ in collaboration with the health and care department of Bodø municipality and the Centre for an Age-Friendly Norway (Senteret for et aldersvennlig Norge). The project team comprised doctors, architects, place developers, public service providers, and experts in universal design and age-friendly communities. This project was funded by Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA)'s "Inclusive Design" program and the Research Council of Norway's "Pilot Health" program.

What does the experience of Bodø residents reveal about ageing in the Arctic?

Our findings highlight that winter weather and conditions create challenges with everyday coping, inactivity, and insecurity. These issues indicate that Bodø municipality has a significant need for new, innovative solutions. There is substantial room for improvement during winter, including the need for integrated design, testing, and the implementation of innovative solutions. It is critical to ensure that the elderly can safely use their surroundings throughout the year.

  • Fabric+ utilized a combination these methodologies to holistically understand the experience of the older adults in Bodø:

    • Literature review

    • Survey (99 respondents)

    • Seniortråkk / Walking Survey (7 participants)

    • City walking activity "Spasér og snakk" (5 participants)

    • Dialog meetings and workshops, 2 sessions with "Postpensjonistene" og Eldrerådet

    • In-depth interviews, 8 sessions

Next steps

Based on our insights, nine (9) areas have been defined as important to continue working on:

  1. Fall prevention in the environment: How can falls be prevented in the environment?

  2. Universal design adapted to weather and climate: How to increase accessibility and comfort in urban spaces all year round?

  3. Shopping center development: Understand and develop shopping centers as useful and pleasant arenas for the elderly.

  4. Improved coordination and collaboration between the voluntary, private, and public sectors in age-friendly urban development.

  5. Winter maintenance: Explore the possibilities for prioritizing differently in terms of plowing, gritting, and heating of sidewalks.

  6. Age- and winter-friendly transport and mobility solutions.

  7. New and existing services that prevent and compensate for disadvantages with winter and harsh climates.

  8. Identification of measures/services aimed at, for example, those who have fallen before, widowers, or people living alone.

  9. Measures to reduce social isolation and loneliness.