Finding with Nature: Supporting Well-being of Older Adults Who Provide Care for Their Close One

The project responds to the growing need to support older adults (65+) who provide care for their close one, as their burden, loneliness, and stress have increased, while their opportunities to participate in supportive services are often limited. Nature-based approaches offer an accessible, cost-effective, and evidence-informed pathway for promoting well-being. Within the project, an individualized support (Löytävä luontotyö) and a community support (MieliLiike) intervention model are developed to strengthen the mental well-being, functioning, and nature connectedness of older adults (65+) who provide care for their close one.

The effectiveness and usability of these models will be evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. A randomized controlled design will be applied to the MieliLiike intervention, while Löytävä luontotyö will be evaluated using pre–post measurements. In addition, qualitative insights on both models will be obtained through qualitative methods.

The University of Jyväskylä is a partner in consortium. The consortium comprises JAMK University of Applied Sciences (Jamk; project coordinator), the University of Jyväskylä, and IkiOma Ikä Association. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Keski-Suomen Omaishoitajat ry (Central Finland Family Caregivers Association), as well as the municipalities of Central Finland and the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland.

Funding
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Health Promotion Grant (2026–2028)

Research group
Principal Investigator of the Finding with Nature – project consortium
Julija Chichaeva, Project Manager, Researcher, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, +358504628081

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä
Kirsi Keskinen, Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center
Timo Törmäkangas, Senior Researcher, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center

Project webpage.