Äldres upplevelser av grönområden : Med utgångspunkt i centrala Umeå

The proportion of people over 65+ is expected to increase in the future. The elderly is one of the most frequent users of open public space. One type of open public space is urban green space, which is a recurring appreciated element for the elderly population. Despite this, cities are often considered to neglect the needs and wants of the elderly population regarding design and shape. What we need and want in urban green areas differs among different age- and culture groups. Therefor it is important to shed light upon elderly’s experience linked to the use and needs of urban green space to get a better understanding of how these areas are perceived. Which this study aims to do based upon elderly living the city of Umeå. The paper takes a qualitative approach to answer the research questions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 informants living in the Umeå urban area. Results show that many of the elderly informant’s values urban green space with a high perceived naturalness which is also considered to be lacking in many Umeås central parks. However, what types of greenery which contributes to the perceived naturalness can vary. Woodlands as well as smaller leafy and heavily green influenced areas can equally result in a high perceived naturalness. Areas with a high perceived naturalness also enables elderly’s motives for being in areas of greenery to a greater extent. Like the daily walk, relaxing and socializing with friends. All open green space in the city is not sought-after by the elderly informants. Further factors that make some of the elderly informants seek out different open green areas are lack of amenities and the feeling of inaccessibility