Access to Services in Rural Areas from the Point of View of Older Population: A Case Study in Finland

Ira Verma, Jonna-Sarianne Taegen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Independence and having control over one’s own life are important factors for residential satisfaction. In rural areas, the mobility of people is based on owning a private car, due to the lack of public transport. Furthermore, planning in rural municipalities is highly car oriented. Small municipalities with shrinking and aging populations have many challenges to ensure access to services for their residents. This paper focuses on a case study of a small municipality with less than 2000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to enhance sustainable change in shrinking rural areas and maintain them as good places to live even in the future. Access to local services and social activities is a major challenge for older people, who no longer have the possibility to use their own car. The problem with relocation is the lack of suitable apartments for older people. A dense and walkable municipal centre with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Moreover, in Finland, second homeowners are an important resource for small municipalities. Spaces for social intercourse between residents and between permanent residents and second homeowners may enhance vitality and community building in these municipalities.
Original languageEnglish
Article number4854
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume16
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • older people
  • shrinking municipalities
  • services
  • mobility

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  • Elinvoimainen taajama

    Sanaksenaho, P., Verma, I. & Taegen, J.

    01/09/201830/09/2020

    Project: Other external funding: Other public funding

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