ABSTRACT

The Arctic and its unique natural resources have become objects of increasing concern. Rapid climate change and ageing of the population are transforming the living conditions in the region. This translates into an urgent need for information that will contribute to a better understanding of these issues.

Ageing, Wellbeing and Climate Change in the Arctic addresses the important intersection of ageing, wellbeing and climate change in the Arctic region, making a key interdisciplinary contribution to an area of research on which little has been written, and limited sources of information are currently available. The book explores three key areas of discussion. First, various political issues that are currently affecting the Arctic, such as the social categorisation of elderly people. Second, the living conditions of the elderly in relation to Arctic climate change. Third, the wellbeing of elderly people in terms of traditional knowledge and lifestyles. The book also features contributions from a number of key researchers in the field which examine a broad range of case studies, including the impact of climate change on health in Lapland and elderly people and geographical mobility in Norway.

This book will be of great interest to scholars of climate change, gerontology and social policy.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

Ageing in the Arctic

part |48 pages

Wellbeing of elderly people

part |69 pages

Local traditions of Arctic communities

chapter |15 pages

“Wanting Greenlandic food”

A story of food, health, and illness in the life of an elderly Greenlandic woman

chapter |17 pages

‘Our forest'

Ageing, agency and ‘connection with nature' in rural Tornedalen, northern Sweden

chapter |17 pages

A room with a view

Navigating continuity and rupture within the traditional healing repertoire of Northern Troms