Lauri opens the gym doors with his smartphone – mobile access has increased the use of sports facilities in Liminka
84-year-old Lauri Tikkanen is one of 1,400 Liminka residents who use mobile authentication on their smartphone to access sports facilities.
In autumn 2021, the municipality of Liminka adopted the e-Spaces service developed by Seniortek. The service enables booking, access control and payments for sports facilities—all within a single system. It is currently in use at the Linnukka Hall and Tupos School gyms, as well as Krankka Arena and the winter swimming changing rooms. Customers who have purchased access rights can enter the facilities using mobile identification. The app is simple to use—even for seniors. Among the many satisfied users is 84-year-old Lauri Tikkanen.
”We used to have a key fob with a chip that allowed entry,” Tikkanen says. ”When I heard that you could now enter with a smartphone, I visited the municipal sports facility caretaker Pekka Särkelä, who showed me how to use the mobile access.”
Automating the locks has significantly increased usage. According to the municipality, there are already 1,400 mobile IDs in Liminka, and doors are opened nearly 7,000 times per month with them.
Tikkanen uses the service at the Linnukka Hall gym, where he trains on senior hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sometimes, up to 20 people join in. While some still use the older key fobs, those who have switched to mobile access are, in Tikkanen’s view, mostly satisfied.
”Some of my friends say they don’t want a smartphone. Some may have doubts, especially if they don’t receive guidance. Pekka Särkelä is available on Tuesday afternoons and helps with using the app if needed.”
New and unfamiliar technology can feel intimidating, but Tikkanen is open to it. He’s had a smartphone for years and also uses a computer and printer at home.
”I haven’t moved banking to the phone, since the screen is too small. I pay bills on my laptop and print receipts. It’s easier to track things that way. Still, mobile services are part of modern life, and you can follow world events online.”
About the e-Spaces Service
- Developed by Seniortek in collaboration with Schneider, Asio and the HAMK Smart research unit.
- Allows room booking, access control and service purchasing in one app.
- Enables 24/7 access to sports services if needed.
- Only the free e-Spaces app is required. Municipal staff can provide remote support.
- Aims to reduce municipal costs while offering opportunities for service development and additional revenue.
Tikkanen, who lived in Kajaani for decades, moved to Liminka with his wife in 2010—a time of many life changes.
”I started going to the gym almost immediately after we moved. I wasn’t overweight, but I noticed while cycling that my leg strength wasn’t enough. Now I go to the gym all year and do strength training.”
In retirement, Tikkanen takes part in sessions led by municipal volunteer instructors and personal trainer Niina Matturi. Exercise and physical activity are key parts of his routine, but it’s not just about the physical benefits.
”It’s really nice at the gym because you meet people. Making friends is hard in a new town—you only really connect through hobbies or group activities.”
Expanding to other facilities?
From the municipality’s perspective, the Seniortek service provides three main benefits: it grants access codes, enables usage tracking, and facilitates payments. Sports Services Manager Janne Laamanen says the system’s potential may be utilised more broadly in the future.
”We’re discussing bringing the Lakeustalo sports hall into the system. There are also ideas beyond just sports facilities. Theoretical possibilities are endless,” Laamanen notes.
At first, mobile access caused concern and resistance—but opinions quickly turned positive.
”Using your phone as a key is now seen as a handy option. If you follow our instructions, entry works 98% of the time. Some rare phone models may require setting adjustments, but when people contact us, we’ve always found a solution.”