Age- and memory-friendly housing: a collaborative effort to improve life for Finland’s elderly residents

In Finland, the aging population is increasingly making its home in housing associations, and the challenges that accompany this demographic shift are becoming more pronounced. To address these challenges, the Age- and Memory-Friendly project (2023-2025) has brought together housing companies, government bodies and associations, all working toward a shared goal: to improve housing for elderly residents across Finland by integrating age- and memory-friendly considerations into housing association discussions and decision-making processes.

Led by the Varsinais-Suomi Real Estate Federation, the project aims to improve the living conditions of elderly residents within housing associations. The initiative is crucial, given the growing number of elderly people still living in their homes, many of whom face mobility issues, safety concerns, and the need for enhanced social connections. In 2023, 26% (1.3 million) of the Finnish population was 65 years old or older and it is both the residents’ own wish and a national goal for people to live at home as long as possible, with 90% of those over 75 currently living in their own homes.

An initial survey helped gain an understanding of the residents and housing companies’ perspectives on this topic and narrowed down the project to three key themes: Accessibility, Safety and Community Spirit. Many elderly residents struggle with the physical and cognitive challenges of aging, making physical improvements in their apartment buildings necessary.

Therefore, housing environments must be adapted to meet the needs, with everything from installing elevators to improving the safety of shared spaces. To encourage these changes, the project helps housing companies to integrate accessibility and safety improvements into their regular renovation plans.

Beyond physical modifications, the project also focuses on enhancing the social aspect of housing associations. By strengthening the sense of community among residents, and creating spaces for residents to meet, the project aims to improve quality of life and help the elderly feel more connected to their neighbours.

“We are experimenting with different measures to foster community spirit and creating spaces for people to meet and interact. We are also collaborating with an organisation working for people with memory diseases to provide expertise and suggestions on measures that can be taken by housing companies,” the project manager added.

By providing training and sharing knowledge, the project equips housing companies with the tools they need to make informed decisions about accessibility, safety and community-building.

So far, the feedback from the participants have been overwhelmingly positive from the involved stakeholders, even though most of the job lies ahead. “The surveys and training tours are appreciated and people we meet are interested in these topics. But the real result of this project will be seen in the long-term when more and more housing companies are doing renovations”.

Preliminary results also show that housing companies need more information on available renovation subsidies, financial support options, and guidance on how renovations can be carried out efficiently. This is particularly important in the current economic climate, as housing companies often face challenges in securing funding even for necessary renovations.

The project will result in a comprehensive guidebook, gathering information aimed to help housing companies, with the final goal of being a cultural shift in how housing associations approach the needs of elderly residents.

While the project is still ongoing, its early successes point to a promising future. When asked what key insights to share with actors who wants to replicate this project, the project manager answers “The most important thing when replicating a project like this is to listen to residents and housing companies. What do they need and what are the current problems? We cannot come from the outside and tell them how they should do renovations. We must listen to the people. That is why we started off by doing a survey with their members, to gather information on this topic and what their experiences are.” 

As the project continues, the collective effort of all involved ensures that Finland’s housing associations will become more age- and memory-friendly, ultimately making life better for elderly residents nationwide and enhancing a community spirit.

Written by Jonas Calander and Emmanuelle Causse, UIPI
Reviewed by Maura Tiuraniemi and Juuso Kallio, Kiinteistöliitto
Images by Maura Tiuraniemi, Kiinteistöliitto