Age-Friendly Community Development in Rana

Rana Municipality is in the process of developing a strategy for future health and care services, based on demographics and the anticipated need for expertise and staffing in the future. In the coming years, Rana is expected to experience an increased proportion of elderly residents, and due to a large-scale industrial establishment in the 1950s to 1970s, Statistics Norway's projections indicate that Rana will experience the "aging wave" before the country as a whole. As early as 2023, the percentage of individuals over 65 will surpass those under 19 in the municipality. Therefore, the municipality has initiated extensive efforts to adapt its services to future needs.

As part of this initiative, there is a focus on exploring possibilities for land and housing development to prepare for an age-friendly community. Curve Studio is part of the team selected to develop a feasibility study on how Rana Municipality can develop this area over a 30-year perspective. The team, a collaboration with our friends at LOCAL, also includes external expertise in health, aging, and economic sustainability. We look forward to contributing our expertise to create a more age-friendly community, based on community, good meeting places, and opportunities for physical activity regardless of age and ability.