Senior Outdoor Recreation Specialist
For over 14 years, I've been documenting and designing accessible outdoor destinations for retirees. From quiet lakeside picnics in Latgale to boardwalk journeys through Ķemeri bogs, I've created pathways for meaningful nature leisure that don't require extreme fitness or complicated logistics.
My Journey
I wasn't always focused on senior recreation. Back in 2010, I was working as a nature guide in Gauja National Park, leading hiking groups of mixed ages and fitness levels. That's when I noticed something that stuck with me — the older visitors weren't coming back. Not because they didn't enjoy it, but because the trails weren't designed for their pace. They'd arrive tired, find nowhere comfortable to rest, and leave feeling discouraged rather than refreshed.
That disconnect bothered me. I realized there was a whole segment of people — retirees with time, curiosity, and the desire to explore — who were being left out of nature tourism because nobody was actually building experiences for them.
So I went back to school. Completed my degree in Environmental Management at Latvia University of Life Sciences in 2013. Then spent the next six years doing something most people would find tedious — I walked every major trail and natural area across Latgale, Vidzeme, and Zemgale. I measured accessibility. Documented rest areas. Photographed sightlines and parking spots. I wanted to understand not just where the beautiful places were, but where people could actually enjoy them without struggle.
The breakthrough came in 2015 when I conducted the first real study of Ķemeri bog ecosystems suitable for older visitors. That research led to the Sūņu Trail enhancement project, which sounds bureaucratic but actually meant something — we increased senior participation in that area by 42% within two years. Real people were finally exploring those bogs at their own pace.
Now at scientologyexposed Solutions SIA, I'm focused on creating content and research that connects retirees with the destinations they'll actually love. Not Instagram-famous peaks. Quiet lakes in Latgale where you can hear the water. Forest paths near the Gauja where you can rest whenever you need to. That's the work that matters to me.
Areas of Focus
Fourteen years of research and field work across Latvia's most accessible natural regions
I've documented over 12 lakes and waterside destinations across Latgale suitable for peaceful picnics, gentle walking, and wildlife observation. Most include accessible parking, shaded rest areas, and clear water views.
Specialized in accessible bog ecosystems and boardwalk routes. I've conducted accessibility assessments on 7 major boardwalk systems and helped design barrier-free improvements that don't damage the ecosystem.
The Gauja Valley offers some of Latvia's most scenic riverside recreation. I've mapped 15+ sections suitable for retirees, including rest areas, viewpoints, and routes that don't require mountain climbing skills.
Not every getaway needs to be a major destination. I've identified quiet forest areas within 90 minutes of Riga, Daugavpils, and Liepāja where you can spend a peaceful day without crowds or complicated navigation.
I conduct detailed accessibility audits of outdoor spaces — terrain difficulty, parking, restroom access, shade, seating. This data informs my recommendations and helps destinations improve senior access.
I work with retirement communities and tourism boards to develop nature-based wellness programs. Understand the physical and psychological benefits of regular nature engagement for older adults.
Background
Degree in Environmental Management, Latvia University of Life Sciences (2013). Specialized coursework in sustainable tourism, landscape assessment, and ecological preservation.
Senior Outdoor Recreation Specialist at scientologyexposed Solutions SIA, leading content development and accessibility research for senior-focused nature tourism across Latvia.
Recognized by the Latvian Tourism Board for innovative boardwalk accessibility standards. Key contributor to 8 major trail and boardwalk enhancement projects across protected regions.
Published 23 articles on senior-friendly outdoor recreation, accessibility in natural spaces, and wellness benefits of nature engagement. Regular contributor to regional tourism and environmental publications.
Collaborates regularly with regional tourism authorities, retirement communities, environmental organizations, and local governments across Latgale and Vidzeme.
14 years in outdoor recreation and sustainable nature tourism. Started as a guide in 2010, transitioned to accessibility research and destination development in 2013, now leads strategic content and research initiatives.
My Approach
I've spent too many years watching older adults get left behind by outdoor tourism because destinations were designed only for peak athletic performance. That's nonsense. Nature's restorative power doesn't require summiting peaks or running marathons. It's available at a quiet lake, along a gentle boardwalk, or under trees where you can actually sit and rest. My work starts from that simple truth.
The difference between a good experience and a frustrating one often comes down to small things — whether there's a bench where you need it, if the parking is actually close to the trailhead, whether the path is smooth enough for comfortable walking. I don't create general guides. I document specifics. You'll know exactly what to expect.
When I advocate for better boardwalk design or accessible parking, I'm not just thinking about older visitors. Parents with strollers, people recovering from injury, anyone with mobility challenges — they all benefit. Designing for accessibility doesn't compromise the experience for anyone else. It makes destinations better for everyone.
Some people assume that making nature accessible means damaging it. I've spent years proving that's false. Well-designed boardwalks, thoughtful trail placement, and proper restoration work protect ecosystems while enabling access. We don't have to choose between preserving Ķemeri bogs and letting people experience them.
Latest Articles
Practical guides based on fieldwork and accessibility research
A detailed guide to 12 lakeside destinations across Latgale perfect for retirees seeking calm water views, accessible parking, and comfortable rest areas. Includes parking coordinates, best seasons, and nearby facilities.
Read Full ArticleEverything you need to know about exploring Ķemeri's protected bog ecosystems via accessible boardwalks. Covers difficulty levels, what to expect seasonally, wildlife viewing opportunities, and accessibility features of each route.
Read Full ArticleThe Gauja Valley offers stunning riverside scenery without requiring extreme fitness. This guide maps 15+ sections suitable for older visitors, with details on terrain, viewpoints, facilities, and seasonal conditions.
Read Full ArticleNot every nature experience requires a major expedition. I've identified peaceful forest areas within 90 minutes of Riga, Daugavpils, and Liepāja perfect for quiet weekend getaways without navigation complexity.
Read Full ArticleGet Connected
Whether you're researching a destination, planning a group outing, or have questions about accessibility, I'm here to help.
Have questions about specific destinations or need personalized recommendations? Get in touch through our contact form.
Send MessageI work as Senior Outdoor Recreation Specialist at scientologyexposed Solutions SIA, a company focused on content development and research in sustainable tourism and nature leisure.
Learn MoreI specialize in outdoor recreation across Latgale, Ķemeri, Gauja Valley, and accessible weekend destinations throughout Latvia.
Explore ResourcesMy goal isn't to turn you into a wilderness athlete. It's to help you discover the quiet corners of Latvia where you can spend time in nature comfortably, at your own pace, and actually feel restored by it. Whether that's a peaceful afternoon by a Latgale lake, a gentle boardwalk through a protected bog, or a weekend in a quiet forest — those experiences matter. And they're more accessible than you might think.
