The Team
Oskar Jonsson (Principal Investigator, Medical Faculty), Eva Ageberg (collaborator, Medical Faculty), Andrea Dell’Isola (collaborator, Medical Faculty), Mikael Johansson (collaborator, Medical Faculty), Anders Warell (collaborator, Faculty of Engineering), Rebecca Saaby Mehlum (collaborator, Private Sector)
The idea
Physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing—yet nearly half of adults in high-income countries fail to meet recommended levels. Inactivity fuels chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia, while also reducing independence and quality of life. One reason why many fail to stay active lies in the way built environments are designed. Many residential areas encourage quick passing rather than staying and moving, and long distances to health-promoting spaces create barriers, especially for older adults.
This initiative explores how living environments can be designed to make movement natural, enjoyable, and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. The approach combines behavioural design, affordance, and nudging—concepts that influence behaviour through subtle cues in the environment.
Why it matters
Ageing should mean engaging in a variety of activities. By rethinking housing and neighbourhood design, this work aims to reduce sedentary behaviour, prevent falls and chronic disease, and restore the joy of movement—helping people live longer, healthier lives.