Understanding the Wicked Problem of Providing Accessible Housing for the Ageing Population in Sweden

Oskar Jonsson, Joakim Frögren, Maria Haak, Björn Slaug and Susanne Iwarsson
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Oskar Jonsson: Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
Joakim Frögren: Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
Maria Haak: Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
Björn Slaug: Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
Susanne Iwarsson: Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: While accessible housing is known as important to promote healthy ageing, the societal issue of providing accessible housing for the ageing population bears the characteristics of a “wicked problem”. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of crucial variables for decision-making about the provision of accessible housing for the ageing population in Sweden. Materials used for a deductive content analysis were elicited through a research circle involving three researchers and twelve non-academic representatives. Brown and colleagues’ conceptual five-dimension framework to address wicked problems was used for the understanding of crucial variables in decision-making about housing provision. The findings show that such reasoning is dominated by the socioeconomic dimension. Findings in the biophysical dimension reveal well-known challenges pertaining to the definition and interpretation of the concept of accessibility and its operationalization. The dimensions are intertwined in a complex manner, which is essential for effective and efficient decision-making. The findings could make decision-makers aware of the diversity of individual thinking involved when addressing this wicked problem. Acting upon the crucial variables identified in this study could contribute to progressive decision-making and more efficient ways to develop and provide accessible housing to promote health ageing.

Keywords: ageing in place; built environment; decision support; housing accessibility; housing and health; housing provision; research circle; trade-offs; planning; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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