Arctic Older Adults Defy Expectations: Most Report No Barriers to Outdoor Activity

<p>Little is known about the outdoor activities of older people in the Nordic Arctic region, who face long and snowy winters, long distances, underdeveloped transportation and limited community facilities. Addressing the lack of region-specific evidence on outdoor mobility for promoting healthy and independent ageing in Arctic environments, this study aims to examine self-reported barriers and enablers of outdoor mobility among adults aged 70 years or older living in Iceland and northern parts of Finland and Sweden. A cross-sectional postal questionnaire focusing on outdoor mobility and environment was circulated in 2024 and collected 811 responses, a 41% response rate (50% women). In this paper, three open-ended survey questions on barriers and enablers of outdoor activities were exploratorily analysed with conventional content analysis.</p><p>On barriers, the most common response was No barriers. Other outdoor mobility barriers were divided into three themes: personal (health complications, laziness, loneliness when going out, fear of falling, lack of time), community-driven (maintenance issues in the living environment, remoteness or absence of infrastructure or services), and environmental (poor and risky weather during long and snowy Arctic winters). The responses on enablers suggested several main themes: active lifestyle; infrastructure, roads and public spaces; nature and weather; promoting health; mobility with aid, including appropriate clothing. The most identified enablers were recreational outdoor activities, maintaining health, accessible infrastructure, and supportive physical and natural environments, with some variation across countries and sexes. By removing these barriers and promoting enablers, older residents in the Nordic Arctic region can be better supported in healthy ageing in place.</p>