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The physiotherapist and research planner Gerd Laxåback chose proximity to her family in Åland over new job challenges in Asia when her research project at the Karleby University Center Chydenius came to an end.
- I specialize in geriatric physiotherapy, that is, for the elderly. At Chydenius, I worked on research related to physical functional capacity for seniors. This included an exchange with Singapore, where I often traveled to teach courses for physiotherapists.
Just before the move to Åland, Gerd Laxåback received a job offer that would have meant two years in Singapore.- I actually chose Åland and Mariehamn over Singapore. I might have taken it if I were younger, but at this stage in my life, I prioritize my relationship with the grandchildren. That is more important to me.
When her daughter Jannica was expecting her second child, Gerd chose instead to move to Åland to help with the grandchildren.
- Becoming a grandmother was a transformative experience that truly took me by storm. At the time, the plan was for me to stay for three months, but it ended with my husband and me buying the apartment we were renting, and staying on.
That was in March three years ago. Just over a year later, Gerd got a new job at Folkhälsan in Åland as a coordinator for health promotion work.
- At first, I was set on being a full-time grandmother, but when the job at Folkhälsan came up, it was too interesting not to apply for. Now I have worked here for two years and love it – I get to be a full-time grandmother and work full-time – and I manage both!
Gerd's husband Joakim is a division director and CEO of a leading logistics company on the mainland, with operations in areas including the stevedoring industry in ports and maritime transport. For his part, this means many travel days per year.- We still have our house and summer cottage in Karleby, but our home is now here in Åland. We can both work remotely, so we can alternate a bit between Åland and Karleby.
In bilingual Karleby, Finnish is the majority language, which makes Gerd appreciate the Swedish-speaking environment in Åland a little extra. As does the openness in the community.
- I already know the neighbors here better than back home in Karleby, where we have lived in the house for 20 years. Here people say hello! People see and greet each other, there is a slightly more European mentality. Here I also get to be called Gerd Laxåback – my name is difficult to pronounce in Finnish.
Nowadays, there is also some remote work from Vantaa, where Gerd has her third grandchild. She naturally tries to sell Åland to her youngest daughter and family as well, but in the meantime, she is happy to have the opportunity to visit them often.
Besides work and family, the dog Whisky is an important part of life. Both enjoy outdoor activities, and together they have tried both search and rescue dog activities and therapy dog visits at care homes for the elderly.- We live in Möckelö Strand, close to Mariehamn and with the forest right next door. In Karleby, I have to put the dog in the car and drive a few kilometers to reach the forest.
Time for personal exercise is otherwise important. Gerd wants to lead by example and make health-promoting choices in everyday life.- I love aqua jogging and water aerobics; one of the first things I did when I arrived here was to visit Mariebad and see how the swimming hall works. Nowadays I also train at Avancia, which has an e-gym. You have to think about your own fitness.
In her role at Folkhälsan, Gerd focuses on activities and groups for adults. Sometimes solely as a coordinator, sometimes as a group leader and lecturer. She also conducts training sessions for group leaders.
- It is varied and enjoyable to continue developing professionally. We have everything from physical exercise groups with circuit training or water aerobics to conversation groups for, for example, early retirees, people who have experienced financial abuse, or "my rare life" for those living with unusual health conditions.
There are of course some stumbling blocks in Åland as well, such as online shopping not being easy to combine with the Åland tax border. Or that the ferries are weather-dependent and the flights to Helsinki a little too infrequent.- The positives outweigh them nonetheless, even though I can miss the ability to buy everything I need from one and the same large supermarket.
Of course she misses Joakim when he is not here, but she thinks that is also healthy – and that it is extra enjoyable when they do see each other.
- I enjoy living in Åland very much, above all getting to be close to the grandchildren – and on top of that, getting to live and work in Swedish!
Welcome guide – everything you need to know before moving to Åland.
Information for those looking for a new job.
Find your new home – tips and advice for those looking for housing in Åland.
Det finns många anledningar att välja Åland. Ibland är det jobbet, andra gånger familjen, kärleken eller möjligheten till en enklare vardag. Läs mer om hur livet på Åland kan se ut i våra intervjuer med nya ålänningar.
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