Active Aging and Well-being of Older Northern Women in Finland

Abstract

Ageing among older Northern Finnish women was the subject of this qualitative study where community-based group interviews were held to learn about the experiences and views of 36 women about the activities that they thought helped them to remain active and well. Focus group discussions and self-produced drawings were used as methods to elicit ideas and experiences about what active ageing meant to those who participated. Manual thematic coding and collective analysis of the themes from group data were applied. The study participants identified outdoor pursuits and experiences in natural environments as well as group activities that they thought contributed to active ageing and well-being in older age. Nordic pole walking, berry picking, balancing time alone and gathering with others were featured in these group discussions, as were cultural aspects, such as sisu, that played a role in motivating the participants. The participants also provided some suggestions for ageing actively and maintaining well-being as women aged. The results of this study have implications for policies and services that promote active ageing and well-being of older women and for the development of culturally relevant local and national programs and activities.