What are your(w) living dreams?
An evening of inspiration on living after 2040
On December 11, Oudtopia held an inspirational evening about living in the municipality of Aalten after 2040. The nearly twenty attendees discussed their personal dreams for their homes and their housing plans, whether realized or not. "We need to dare to think more outside the box."
Real estate agent Kees Ritmeester and his wife Korine, from Iets Anders Makelaars, were the hosts for the evening. And it truly was an evening with 'something different'. Not only did the atmospheric location, a former café in the center of Aalten, contribute to this, but the homemade delicacies and enthusiastic company also made it a special evening.
Bloom zones
To get into the mood, a short film was shown about the so-called blue zones of the world. Freely translated: blossom zones. These are places where people age above average in generally very good health. What is the secret of these blossoming zones? At least those places had two characteristics in common: clean air and great community spirit.
Could the municipality of Aalten become such a place? And what would be needed to achieve this? The visitors quickly agreed on two things. First: the municipality of Aalten is aging (just like the rest of the Netherlands). Second: the municipality of Aalten is a wonderful place to live (and stay). But sitting still in your (too) big house is usually not an attractive alternative. So what is?
Creative thinking
Realtor Kees Ritmeester: "The future demands more creativity, both from residents and the municipality. We must dare to think more out of the box when it comes to housing." Thus retired couple Dick and Dicky Jansen were advised to sell their large house and exchange it for a recreational home and a camper. With great pleasure they spend the winter months in southern Europe, only to land familiarly again among their friends.
Collective Private Contracting
Joke Geerdes (71) has long been involved in the creation of the Aaltens Hofje, a housing group of twelve homes within a new neighborhood on the grounds of the former technical school. Both elderly and young people live there. "Why don't we think more about these forms of housing that can connect young and old?"
Ritmeester nods in agreement. "What doesn't happen much yet but really has the future: Collective Private Contracting. A group of people who jointly commission a new construction project. If there is more circulation in the outlying area, then older people will live smaller and there will be room for young people. That's good for everyone."
Further dreaming
It was an inspiring evening.
More such inspiration evenings will follow in the new year. Also on other topics.
Keep an eye on the website for the schedule.
Info, questions and ideas
Do you have any questions or ideas? Send an email toaalten@oudtopia.nl