Preface 

This report focuses on heterogenous perspectives regarding active and healthy ageing. There are many phases of old adulthood, and the older Nordic population is far from homogeneous. An individual’s lifelong health depends on numerous factors such as income, educational level, physical activity, dietary habits, sexual preferences, ethnicity, family situation, and living and housing arrangements. How these aspects intersect creates different challenges and possibilities for active and healthy ageing. This report explores the possible contribution of intersectional approaches in future analyses and policy-making across the Nordic region.

The study was conducted in parallel with the report Indicators for Active and Healthy Ageing in the Nordic Region. Possibilities and Challenges (Cuadrado et al., 2022). Both studies explored common Nordic indicators for active and healthy ageing and its potential to develop and to inform decision-making at local and national levels. 

More broadly, this work addresses the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 of a socially sustainable region by promoting equal health and inclusive participation in society for older adults in the Nordic countries. Updating frameworks and practice to support the rapidly ageing population across the Nordic region will be part of this effort.

The Nordic Welfare Centre hopes that this report will contribute to the development of Nordic policies and will strengthen Nordic co-operation between the various actors working within this field. We also hope that the findings of this study will contribute to knowledge development regarding active and healthy ageing in the Nordic Region. We would like to thank the interviewees in the Nordic countries, and Nordregio, who carried out the study.