Bærum Municipality has for many years worked systematically to promote healthy ageing, participation, inclusion and independent living for older residents. As one of Norway’s largest municipalities, Bærum is preparing for demographic change by integrating age-friendly principles into community planning, health services, housing development and public health initiatives.

In line with Norway’s national reforms for older people, including A Full Life – All Your Life and Live Safely at Home, Bærum has strengthened its focus on enabling older adults to remain active, safe and socially connected in their local communities. The municipality has developed a broad range of preventive and health-promoting services, meeting places, volunteer programs, cultural activities and initiatives that support active ageing and reduce loneliness.

Age-friendly principles are reflected in municipal work related to universal design, accessible outdoor environments, sustainable mobility, digital inclusion, housing development and citizen participation. Bærum has initiated a dedicated program to explore and pilot new housing models that support ageing in place, social participation and intergenerational living. Several municipal sites have been identified for testing innovative housing concepts, including co-housing communities and age-friendly residential developments.

Bærum has also launched the project Future Senior Activities in an Age-Friendly Bærum, developed in close cooperation with older residents, voluntary organizations and local stakeholders. The project focuses on strengthening social participation, preventing loneliness and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement after retirement. Extensive citizen dialogue has been conducted through surveys, public meetings and local workshops, ensuring that older residents contribute directly to the design of age-friendly initiatives.

The municipality is implementing age-friendly improvements to neighbourhoods and public spaces, including accessible walking routes, age-friendly seating and measures to support safe mobility for older residents. Pilot projects are also exploring more flexible transport solutions for residents who have difficulties using traditional public transportation.

In addition, Bærum has invested extensively in digital health and welfare technology that supports independence, safety and quality of life. Current initiatives include welfare technology services, digital home monitoring, digital communication between residents and healthcare professionals through Digihelse, and collaborative digital follow-up services with specialist healthcare providers.
Bærum collaborates closely with volunteer organizations, cultural institutions, health services, neighbourhood initiatives and resident groups to create supportive environments for people of all ages.

Looking ahead, Bærum is committed to strengthening its age-friendly efforts through a coordinated and systematic approach. The municipality intends to embed age-friendly objectives within municipal planning processes and develop a dedicated action plan based on the WHO framework and the Norwegian Directorate of Health’s adaptation of the age-friendly approach. Attention will be given to the priority areas: universal design and outdoor environments, housing, transportation and mobility, social inclusion, volunteering and culture, as well as communication and co-creation. Implementation will be supported through cross-sector collaboration, dedicated coordination structures and close cooperation with older residents and community stakeholders.

Progress and outcomes will be monitored through a framework of indicators, regular reporting, annual reviews and continuous evaluation. These indicators will include measures related to social participation, volunteer engagement, housing, accessibility, mobility, digital inclusion and residents perceived quality of life, ensuring evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement of age-friendly initiatives.