Ageing and Inclusion in Rural Areas

Abstract

This paper is presenting a research and development project related to areas with decreasing and ageing population. The focus of the study is on housing and the inclusion of older people in rural communities. The case study method was implemented in three shrinking municipalities in remote areas. The population loss in small ageing municipalities is affecting the number of local services as well as access to public transport. Most people 75 years old and older live in owner occupied single-family houses. The accessibility renovations of these houses for low-income older residents are challenging. Strategic long-term concepts are needed to improve the housing for older people and the urban quality of small municipal centers. Initiatives focusing on wellbeing and social cohesion are needed to enable people to remain living in rural areas in the future. Actions related to planning and services for the older population should contribute to social cohesion within the community. A dense and walkable municipal center with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Future developments need to be based on resource efficiency and an intergenerational approach to keep these municipalities good places to live.