Applying the WHO's framework for age-friendly environments: older adults' perspective in a rural setting

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Environmental Health
• Rural Studies

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) established eight domains for age-friendly environments.
• Focus has predominantly been on urban settings, neglecting rural contexts.
• This study investigates rural older adults' perspectives on age-friendly environments in Sweden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical factors for age-friendly environments from the perspective of older adults in a rural Swedish setting.
• To assess the applicability of the WHO's age-friendly environments framework in a rural context.
• To inform policy and practice for enhancing rural environments for aging populations.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design utilizing five focus groups.
• Involved 17 participants from a rural Swedish community.
• Analysis employed a deductive approach.

Main Results:

• All eight WHO domains were relevant, with significant emphasis on digitalization and transportation.
• Digitalization impacts transportation, communication, and social inclusion in areas with limited services.
• Discrimination, particularly digital and social, and needs of vulnerable subgroups were highlighted.
• Interconnectedness of domains, such as transport for healthcare and social participation, was evident.

Conclusions:

• Adaptations across all WHO domains are necessary for rural age-friendly environments.
• Prioritizing digitalization is key to enhancing inclusion and reducing discrimination.
• Accessible and affordable transportation is crucial for older adults' social, civic, and healthcare engagement.
• The WHO framework is suitable for rural contexts and should guide practical implementation.