Nature is important for the health of the elderly

In May 2023, Rosemarie Ankre and student Rasmus Nordmark carried out further field observations with older adults in Östersund municipality. The study was broadened to include older adults who have greater difficulties with their mobility, which provides opportunities to learn more about both the connection between good health and spending time in natural environments and the importance of accessibility for everyday outdoor activities.  

Thanks to the meeting place Lövbacka, Rosemarie and Rasmus came into contact with five participants whose outdoor stays are with the help of poles or walkers. After a conversation together indoors, the group went out for a joint walk in the city park Björkbacka, which is both centrally located in Östersund and close to the participants' accommodation. 
 

Important with nature and movement

Several of the participants said that they have previously spent a lot of time outdoors. They therefore describe a loss of not being able to be as mobile and have the same opportunities to move around outside anymore. Forests and green areas are described as important, and the participants used words such as "more beautiful", "calmer" and "meditative" to describe experiences in nature. They also described that the nature around their home is of great importance, and being able to see trees, water and mountains through the window, for example, is both enriching and important.

The participants expressed a great insight into the importance of being outdoors and several of them said that they try to prioritize getting out and moving for their mental and physical health. They expressed that they feel bad and "climb the walls" if they are not allowed to come out. However, several of the participants described that their outdoor stays are weather-dependent and that they do not like to go out if the weather is bad. They also told that they go on shorter walks of about 30 minutes several times a week. 
 

Last focus group in September

In September 2023, the last focus group will be carried out in an urban green area in Östersund municipality with older adults who need assistive devices. If you are interested in participating, you are welcome to contact us. The results of the sub-study will be presented at the international conference Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research , which is organized by Mid Sweden University this autumn.