By 2030, Sweden’s population is estimated to increase by approximately 400,000 and reach 10.9 million. Of this increase, Statistics Sweden notes that approximately 300,000 is contributed by more people immigrating than emigrating. This article, From Accessibility to a Relaxed Atmosphere is all about understanding what makes Gothenburg the ideal place to retire.
For those looking to settle down and enjoy retirement, the country can present a spectacular opportunity — especially when it comes to the city of Gothenburg. From the value of the city as an age-friendly location to the abundance of things to do and see, here’s what every senior should know.
The importance of an age-friendly location
For those looking to retire, settling down in Gothenburg can be a fantastic choice for older adults. According to ESPON.eu, the city is aiming to become age-friendly, which is defined as a city that “strives for having inclusive and accessible social and physical environments that promote health, participation and security for all people and especially for older people.” For seniors who experience mobility issues, an accessible location to retire is a must — especially when considering that accessibility can allow for greater independence. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. As this represents 16% of the world’s population — or one in six people, thus underlining the fact that accessibility is essential.
You can learn more about sociable Guthenborg by clicking the image below.
In Sweden and cities like Gothenburg, for instance, accessible parking can be identified with a wheelchair symbol, with accessible spaces commonly found. However, when striving to broaden accessibility efforts in such spaces, those that are truly accessible may implement helpful tactics to ensure a safe passage from the parking space to the building. Firm and level paths, the use of tonal and color contrast, and the absence of any obstructions are just a few ways that commercial spaces can strive to create a safe and accessible location for everyone. However, it’s imperative to take into account that there are plenty of additional ways in which Gothenburg embraces accessibility.
Gothenburg and accessibility — a brief overview
Generally speaking, there are a variety of ways in which Sweden caters to the senior population. Not only is the country’s life expectancy among the highest in the world, but there’s also senior housing (homes where accessibility is a priority), options for home health and individually assessed assistance. For those who experience a disability, there are several regulations in place, such as the Discrimination Act and the legal right to independence, highlights Sweden.se. Regarding the country’s disability policy, it aims to “achieve equitable living conditions and full participation in a diverse society for people with disabilities.”
Eating out in Gothenburg? You can read about the best Sushi in Gothenburg by clicking the image below.
In Gothenburg specifically, Goteborg.com notes that the city is constantly working to “minimize peoples negative experiences connected to accessibility issues resulting from physical hindrance, severe allergy or being unable to take in important information.” When it comes to the streets and neighborhoods, it’s noted that the major streets are broad and easy to access, though the older parts of the city (including Haga, Linnéstaden, Vasatan and Majorna) can be a bit more challenging to navigate due to the cobblestones and stairs. While older buildings may not have lifts, Goteburg.com highlights the accessibility in regard to public transport, where travelling by bus “should never be a problem no matter what disability you may have.”
From culture to activities
For those considering retiring in Gothenburg, the relaxed nature of the city can present the ideal location. One Forbes article notes that despite the lively schedule of cultural events and busy port, Gothenburg has “a much more relaxed vibe than its big sibling Stockholm.” However, it’s necessary to keep in mind that there is no shortage of things to do, thus allowing anyone to keep their days full of adventure and unique experiences. For self-proclaimed foodies, there are plenty of options — from Da Matteo Coffee Roasters to Vrå for Nordic Japanese fusion to Koka for a Michelin star dining experience.
Regarding things to do, Gothenburg features a variety of parks and gardens worth visiting, allowing for retirees to enjoy the open air and greenery. For example, the city’s botanical garden offers just one relaxing option for seniors who enjoy nature. According to one article from the Travelling King blog, there are over 16,000 different species of plants across the garden’s nature reserve and arboretum. Complete with mini guided tours, a koi fish pool and rhododendron valley, there’s plenty to see. Goteborg.com notes that most of the public attractions in Gothenburg “should be accessible to everyone and are easy to get to,” going on to highlight that major attractions — including Universeum science centre and the Gothenburg Museum of Art meet world class accessibility standards. And, for those who enjoy sports, for example, Gamla Ullevi (Gothenburg’s football stadium) offers wheelchair accessibility in the form of wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets.
Gothenburg also worked hard for greenest city title. Learn more about it by clicking the image below.
Finding the ideal location to retire to can be overwhelming, though the Swedish city of Gothenburg is certainly worth considering. From the relaxed atmosphere to the wide variety of senior friendly features like accessibility, settling down in Gothenburg offers several benefits.
From Accessibility to a Relaxed Atmosphere — Understanding What Makes Gothenburg the Ideal Place to Retire, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore. Karoline is a freelance writer from Stoke on Trent in the UK who left the corporate grind when she started a family and has never looked back. She enjoys contributing to a range of online publications on the topics that are important to her.
Feature image (on top) © Monica Silvestre/Pexels