Strong community ties underpin life in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia

Strong social networks, time in nature and active participation in local organisations are central to a good life in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia, Yle reports.

Research by Åbo Akademi suggests the region could resemble a so-called blue zone, where people live unusually long and remain active into old age. However, Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia does not yet meet the official criteria, which include having a certain number of centenarians in relation to the number of newborns.

Yle spoke to three residents of the small villages of Särkimo and Österö in Maksamaa, Vöyri, about what contributes to their wellbeing.

Social connections

Marianne Sjöberg, 78, takes part in several organisations and groups. She says doing things together brings joy to life.

Every other week, Sjöberg attends a knitting café held at the local youth association’s premises. As many as 13 women have attended, and the fact that they are of different ages is particularly important to her.

Sjöberg also considers maintaining her health and spending time in nature important. She picks berries and mushrooms, and walking in the forest helps her maintain her mobility.

Family is another major source of joy and strength for Sjöberg.

“I have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. That is probably what matters,” she says.

Despite this, Sjöberg is concerned about the future of Österö. The village has gradually lost its younger residents, and only a few families with children remain.

“There are perhaps 90 people living here, and a large proportion of them are over 65,” Sjöberg says.

A sense of community

Kristina Kullas-Norrgård, 58, is involved in several organisations. She chairs the local Folkhälsan branch, sings in the Maximus choir and serves on the church council and church board. She is also vice-chair of the Maksamaa archipelago association.

For Kullas-Norrgård, a good life means paying attention to other people and contributing something to the community.

She gives the example of a power cut several years ago, when one resident lent their generator to others in the village.

“The generator went from house to house, and I believe the person who lent it felt they were doing something good for the whole community,” she says.

Kullas-Norrgård believes small communities are a source of strength.

“I believe that certainly exists in Finnish-speaking communities as well, and perhaps generally in places where there are fewer people.”

For her personally, a good life also means spending time in nature. She can walk into the forest with her dog from her front door and pick mushrooms and berries nearby.

The pier at her summer cottage is another cherished place.

“It is nice just to sit on the pier and look around for as long as you want. I find it very relaxing,” she says.

Staying active

Jens Östman, 30, is one of the young people who returned to his home area after studying elsewhere. He says he never really left.

His studies took him to Vaasa, where he enjoyed living. However, he had always planned to settle in the village of Särkimo in Maksamaa after completing his studies.

“I am very happy here,” Östman says.

Participation in different organisations and groups also contributes to his wellbeing. He chairs a hunting association and is active in the Maksamaa archipelago association.

Östman says it is important to be part of something larger than oneself.

Blue zones are areas where people live exceptionally long lives and remain active well into old age. The areas listed in the article are Sardinia’s Ogliastra in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Martinique and Loma Linda in California in the United States. They are typically characterised by a warm climate, often a coastal location and hilly terrain.