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Changes in friluftsliv (outdoor recreation) activities among Norwegian adolescents during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegian teenagers spent less time in outdoor recreation activities overall compared to before the pandemic. However, when they did engage in outdoor activities, they found them much more important for spending time with friends and family. Outdoor recreation became a critical way for teenagers to maintain social connections when schools, gyms, and other gathering places were closed. This shows how nature and outdoor activities can be valuable for young people’s wellbeing during difficult times.

Background

Friluftsliv (outdoor recreation) activities provide physical activity and nature experiences that improve quality of life. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (2020-2022), schools, gyms, and athletic facilities closed, but access to nature and friluftsliv activities remained available. This study examines how friluftsliv participation changed among Norwegian adolescents during pandemic restrictions.

Objective

To examine how the degree of activity in various friluftsliv activities changed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic compared to before the pandemic, and to identify the significance of friluftsliv for young people’s experience of community during and before the pandemic.

Results

Total friluftsliv activity decreased significantly by 12.1% during the pandemic. Modern friluftsliv showed a greater decline of 24.8%, while traditional friluftsliv decreased by 7.8%. However, 34.8% of respondents reported that friluftsliv became more important for community experiences during the pandemic, particularly for being with friends (40%) and family (25.3%).

Conclusion

Although friluftsliv participation decreased overall during the pandemic, it became more important for social connection and community belonging. Friluftsliv served as a crucial venue for maintaining social relationships when other meeting places were closed, highlighting its importance for adolescent physical, social, and mental health during public health crises.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Sports and Active Living,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional questionnaire study,
  • Source: PMID: 37637221, DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1215611
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