Sweden Considers National Strategy for Elderly Outdoor Access

Researchers in Sweden propose a national strategy to increase outdoor access for residents of aged care facilities. The team conducted three digital workshops over eighteen months with researchers, authorities, organizations, and care practitioners to develop the proposal. The strategy focuses on four key policy areas: facilitating outdoor stays, providing outdoor care and rehabilitation, improving the outdoor environment, and promoting knowledge transfer related to these practices.

The researchers note Sweden currently lacks a coordinated national approach to ensure older adults in care benefit from time in nature, despite evidence of positive impacts on their health, quality of life, and cognitive function.

The team intends to explore how widely applicable this strategy might be, and how it aligns with person-centered care principles. They currently do not know of any other country with a similar national strategy.