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

Author

Listed:
  • Ira Verma

    (Department of Architecture, Research Group for Health and Wellbeing Architecture Sotera, Aalto University, 02510 Espoo, Finland)

  • Jonna Taegen

    (Department of Architecture, Research Group for Health and Wellbeing Architecture Sotera, Aalto University, 02510 Espoo, Finland)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ira Verma & Jonna Taegen, 2019. "Access to Services in Rural Areas from the Point of View of Older Population—A Case Study in Finland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4854-:d:293394
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Metz, D. H., 2000. "Mobility of older people and their quality of life," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 7(2), pages 149-152, April.
    2. Maja Ročak & Gert-Jan Hospers & Nol Reverda, 2016. "Searching for Social Sustainability: The Case of the Shrinking City of Heerlen, The Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Levasseur, M. & Cohen, A.A. & Dubois, M.-F. & Généreux, M. & Richard, L. & Therrien, F.-H. & Payette, H., 2015. "Environmental factors associated with social participation of older adults living in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas: The NuAge study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(8), pages 1718-1725.
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    Cited by:

    1. Margareta Friman & Lars E. Olsson, 2020. "Daily Travel and Wellbeing among the Elderly," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-3, March.

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