Lidingo

The city of Lidingo is located in the Stockholm county and is a part of the Metropolitan Stockholm. It lies on an island which is connected with the capital. The population is just over 40 000 inhabitants. The Municipal Council has adopted a health strategy in 2005 focusing on social-, psychical- and mental health and includes all policy areas and contains strategic approaches as well as long-term goals. A new communication strategy has been produced including a new branding of the city as the healthy island. In view to demographic changes Lidingo is interested in the issue of Active Ageing in particular in finding innovative methods of breaking social isolation of elderly people.

The City of Lidingö needs to develop actions and work procedures to increase good conditions for elderly to live an independent and normal life, with the base in the individual needs, wishes and values. The City of Lidingö is in need of putting even more emphasis on preventive health activities.

A lot of caring for elderly are taking place in the family and is performed by relatives, sometimes informal and sometimes paid by the local authority. The home carer is not always given the support and help needed and this can lead to increased risk of ill-health for the carer. From 2009 a new legislation will be introduced that extend the responsibilities for the local authority to support those who are caring for a relative. This legislation includes a health perspective for the carer. A healthy carer also means increased ability to care for relatives for a longer period.

Beyond social activities, we are also in need to continue to develop the access to physical activities that suite the elderly and their needs. And as stated in the section regarding healthy places is a safe outdoor environment as well as accessibility of high importance for the elderly.

To be able to improve the environment at Högsätra it is very important that the inhabitants and visitors feel comfortable. Without their co-operation and willingness the efforts will be just efforts and there will be no permanent change. There must be co-ordination between the city and other interested parties to make the policy effective. If not the efforts will be worthless and no change will be achieved.