In the last decade, the Nordic countries have adopted policy strategies in response to population ageing. However, a recent study highlights a critical blind spot in these policies, concerning the older adults living in the arctic regions of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. In this blogpost, we explore the significant gaps identified in the study and underscore the urgent need for inclusive policies that recognize and address both the diversity of the older adult population and the unique challenges faced by older adults in the Arctic.

Why these gaps?

We suggest that this omission might stem from various biases such as ‘urban-rural’, where urban areas receive more attention in policy-making than rural ones; ‘south-north’, where the southern regions are prioritized over the northern ones; ‘indoor-outdoor’, where indoor needs are addressed more than outdoor needs; and ‘generalization’, where the older adult population is typically considered as one homogeneous group with similar needs. 

The consequences of these biases are not just theoretical – they have real-world implications for the quality of life of older adults. We argue that the absence of targeted policies for the Arctic regions suggests a need for a more nuanced understanding of how old age is framed by the circumstances in which people age, including the environmental and geographical contexts. It is crucial for policymakers to recognize that the well-being of older adults is shaped by their surroundings, and this is particularly true for those living in regions such as the Arctic.

A call for inclusivity

We call for an inclusive approach to policy-making that considers the diverse settings within countries. Policies need to be adaptable and sensitive to the local contexts, ensuring that citizens, regardless of where they live, have the resources and support necessary to lead meaningful lives.

We hope our study will serve as a wake-up call for the Nordic countries to reevaluate and refine their aging policies with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. By addressing the blind spots, national and local authorities can ensure their citizens continue to enjoy access to safe, inclusive, accessible and enjoyable outdoor spaces, in all parts of the Nordic countries, including the rural Arctic. We also believe this lesson in inclusivity extends beyond the Nordic borders, offering valuable insights for global policymakers committed to attending to the needs of their heterogeneous older adult populations.

Bodil H. Blix, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway

Anastasia Emelyanova, Oulu University, Finland

Agneta Larsson, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden

Steinunn A. Olafsdottir, University of Iceland, Iceland

Arja Rautio, Oulu University, Finland

You can read the full study here (open access):

Emelyanova, A., Blix, B. H., Larsson, A., Olafsdottir, S. A., & Rautio, A. (2024). Age-inclusive Arctic outdoor spaces: a policy review in four Nordic countries. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 83(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2024.2339561