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ACA Session: Ageing in the Arctic
From challenge to innovation and scalable solutions
How can Arctic and North Atlantic communities turn knowledge about ageing into practical solutions that work in demanding northern conditions?
NORA, the West Nordic Council and Société du Plan Nord (Québec) invite participants at the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly to a session on Thursday 8 October at 11:00 in room Esja, Harpa, Fifth Level.
Across the Arctic and North Atlantic, ageing populations face particular challenges linked to remoteness, long winters and demanding climatic conditions. At the same time, these conditions can provide a strong impetus for innovation.
The session will explore practical approaches to housing, mobility, public space and services for older people in northern communities. Drawing on experience from across the region, it will highlight solutions such as winter-accessible infrastructure, fall prevention, age-friendly housing and inclusive community design.
The focus will be on moving from knowledge and pilot initiatives to practical implementation. Bringing together perspectives from government, municipalities, business and research, the panel will discuss how effective solutions can be adapted, implemented and shared across Arctic and North Atlantic communities within existing frameworks and resources.
Speakers and panellists:
- Bjørnar Selnes Skjæran, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norway
- Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan, Leader, Fabric+, Norway
- Patrick Beauchesne, CEO, Société du Plan Nord, Québec, Canada
- Jón Gnarr, Chair of the West Nordic Council and Member of the Althingi, Iceland
- Christina Viskum Larsen, Professor, Centre for Public Health, Greenland
Moderator:
- Ernst Sumberg Olsen, Senior Adviser, NORA
The aim is to identify concrete pathways for implementation and cooperation, while demonstrating how Arctic regions can serve as testbeds for solutions with relevance far beyond the North.
The session builds on the NORA-supported project Ageing in the Arctic, which concluded earlier this year. The project, chaired by Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan, examined challenges and opportunities related to ageing in northern communities and developed recommendations for practical, transferable solutions.