Age‑friendly community planning and the importance of information for inclusive nature experiences
In two book chapters in the forthcoming Handbook of Accessible Tourism, Sandra Wall-Reinius and several of the project's researchers summarize results from several sub-studies.
In one of the chapters, the focus is on older people's experiences of urban green areas and recreational areas and how society can support and create conditions for active ageing. The densification of cities where green areas are built poses a major challenge. When it is no longer possible to go further afield, access to nature close to home becomes crucial for the well-being of the elderly and the opportunity to spend time outdoors.
Lack of accessibility in natural areas is not only about geographical distance, but also about practical obstacles – for example, the lack of benches, public toilets and a lack of snow removal in winter. An important conclusion of the study is that the planning of green and recreational areas should take place in close collaboration between different sectors of society. Knowledge exchange and participation from pensioners' organisations and local interest groups are important for designing natural areas that meet the needs of older people and promote active ageing.
The second chapter deals with the fact that a lack of information about different natural environments can be an obstacle to people with disabilities being able to participate in outdoor activities. The study shows that digital information is crucial for improving accessibility to natural environments.
In order for people to be able to plan and carry out nature-based activities, clear, detailed and reliable information about the site's accessibility, transport, activities and facilities is required. Many websites lack this type of comprehensive information, suggesting that there is a limited understanding of the entire visitor experience among those responsible for the websites. The study therefore emphasizes the need for better communication and collaboration between interest groups, companies and the public sector to develop digital solutions that meet the needs of different users.
The book in its entirety will be sold on this page from autumn 2025