Health tourists exported to Spain
Norway’s regular shipment to Spain of bacalao has been a staple on the Iberian Peninsula for the past 200 years. But dried salted cod is now being joined by a new export – elderly Norwegians.
In a new scheme set to revolutionise care for the elderly, Norway’s senior citizens are being moved to the Spanish costas on the advice of their doctors and at the expense of Norwegian taxpayers to promote longevity and alleviate conditions such as rheumatism.
Five purpose-built residencies have opened in Alicante, a region on the Costa Blanca, including one operated by a state-subsidised rheumatism association that accommodates about 2,500 sufferers annually. Collectively, the residencies provide around 10,000 elderly Norwegians with accommodation, swimming pools and golf courses to use during their stay, the duration of which is prescribed by their doctors. ‘Compared to the Norwegian winters, it’s a soothing balm,’ said Lotte Tollefsen from the Norwegian Embassy in Madrid.
A sixth centre is due to open next year and officials are searching for sites for further accommodation. The cost is covered entirely by state pensions, and the Norwegian government has even opened a social security office in Alicante.
October 2007
In a new scheme set to revolutionise care for the elderly, Norway’s senior citizens are being moved to the Spanish costas on the advice of their doctors and at the expense of Norwegian taxpayers to promote longevity and alleviate conditions such as rheumatism.
Five purpose-built residencies have opened in Alicante, a region on the Costa Blanca, including one operated by a state-subsidised rheumatism association that accommodates about 2,500 sufferers annually. Collectively, the residencies provide around 10,000 elderly Norwegians with accommodation, swimming pools and golf courses to use during their stay, the duration of which is prescribed by their doctors. ‘Compared to the Norwegian winters, it’s a soothing balm,’ said Lotte Tollefsen from the Norwegian Embassy in Madrid.
A sixth centre is due to open next year and officials are searching for sites for further accommodation. The cost is covered entirely by state pensions, and the Norwegian government has even opened a social security office in Alicante.
October 2007
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