Preface 

This report focuses on indicators for Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA) and on welfare technology for older adults in the Nordic Region. This study is set against the background that population ageing is a major demographic trend affecting the policy agenda in the Nordic Region, in Europe, and globally. The study addresses the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 of a socially sustainable Nordic Region by promoting equal health and an inclusive participation in society for older adults in the Nordic countries.
The aim of this report is to study what types of relevant indicators for both AHA and welfare technology for older adults currently exist in the Nordic Region and how these indicators are used to support and monitor policy initiatives. The purpose of the study is to establish a comparative perspective not only on what indicators are available for policymakers, but also what indicators are not available.
This report presents existing international and European indicators and a list of common Nordic indicators. The study also highlights challenges and future needs for improvement regarding Nordic indicators by presenting a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening the availability of statistical indicators, improving their usage, tackling the shortcomings found, and filling the knowledge gaps.
The study has been conducted in parallel with another closely connected study Active and Healthy Ageing: Heterogenous perspectives and Nordic indicators.
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 in the Nordic Region. We would like to thank the interviewees in the Nordic countries, and Nordregio, who carried out the study.
Eva Franzén                                                                         Rolf Elmér
Director Nordic Welfare Centre                                 Director Nordregio