Goal 2: The Nordic Region must promote good physical and mental health, wellbeing and quality of life for all

In the Nordic Region, it must be possible for everyone to live good, independent and stable lives that ensure good physical and mental health. Promoting good physical and mental health can make us stronger as a region – this is because fewer people will need health and social services, and more will be able to contribute actively to ensure a well-functioning society. For this reason, we need to place focus on early, preventative and health-promoting efforts aimed at groups who are on the margins due to factors such as disability, for example. Rehabilitation measures, including aids, form a natural part of the preventative and health-promoting work to be performed.

Some Nordic citizens are severely affected by serious physical and mental conditions which occur as a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits, being considerably overweight, sitting still for extended periods, or the harmful use of alcohol, nicotine products or drugs. Treating these conditions is costly both for society and the individual. It is therefore important that measures be taken to prevent unhealthy lifestyle habits, to increase the accessibility of early treatments with a specific focus on children and young people, and to improve public health more generally.  In order to improve equal access to treatment and to prevent illnesses, there is also a need for greater knowledge in the area of equal health.

Psychological vulnerability afflicts many groups in society, such as those in socially vulnerable situations, the elderly, people with disabilities, LGBTI people and parts of the

Within Nordic co-operation, we use the abbreviation LGBTI which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex.

migrant population. More and more young people in the Nordic Region are reporting greater levels of mental distress, loneliness and feelings of general inadequacy. Early interventions can help to catch young people who risk falling out of work and education as a result of their mental vulnerabilities. A broader focus on the experience of involuntary isolation among Nordic citizens is needed. This work will also require a special focus on efforts that aim to prevent suicide.

Domestic violence, and especially violence committed by men against women, unfortunately remains a huge problem in the Nordic Region. Everyone should be able to feel secure in their own home and close relationships. It is important that violence be detected early and that work be undertaken to provide victims with the help and support they need. At the same time, preventative and rehabilitating measures must also be pursued, with the aim that fewer people will perpetrate violence in the first place. Knowledge about preventative and effective methods in relation to the problem should be spread throughout the Nordic countries and developments should be carefully followed.