Beneficiary Details, Creative Hub of Origin, and Creative Practice
Ana Ma Santos Solla, 64, worked as a Physical Education teacher at a secondary school
in Pontevedra for 35 years. After retiring in 2020, she joined Arroelo, a coworking
space in the heart of Pontevedra, where she continues to develop impactful social
initiatives.
Arroelo is more than just a workplace; it is a community of curious, committed
individuals with a strong desire to learn. Founded in 2012 by María Pierres and África
Rodríguez, it has evolved into a hub of collaboration and collective growth, overcoming
challenges such as the pandemic and relocation.
Within this context, Ana Ma Santos founded the blog "De Vella a Bella" (Devellabella)
alongside ten former colleagues, aiming to redefine the concept of aging and promote
personal well-being. Her initiative addresses the lack of focus on the positive aspects of
longevity in studies on older adults, where 80% concentrate on loneliness, illness, and
isolation, while only 20% highlight quality of life, leisure, and happiness.
Objectives of the "De Vella a Bella" Project
Promote cultural activities for individuals over 60.
Create relevant and useful content for this demographic.
Organize workshops and courses tailored to their needs.
Explore new models of community engagement for seniors.
Encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
As part of this initiative, a radio program is broadcast every two weeks, featuring
testimonies and projects that enhance the range of activities available for older adults,
providing them with visibility and a space for exchange.
Host Creative Hub: Chateau Coliving
A 12th-Century Castle Adapted for Remote Work
Chateau Coliving is a 12th-century castle transformed into a coliving and coworking
space for independent professionals from around the world. By blending history with
modernity, it offers an ideal environment for productivity, creativity, and personal
growth.
The space brings together people of different ages, nationalities, and professional
backgrounds, fostering a diverse and enriching community. Notably, a 23-year-old
participant was included in an environment where the average age of remote workers
typically ranges between 30 and 40.
Chateau Coliving is built on a balance between work and personal life, tradition and
innovation, nature and technology. This holistic approach allows residents to develop
their projects efficiently while maintaining overall well-being.
Experience in the Conscious Productivity Program
During our stay, we participated in the Conscious Productivity program, designed to
help individuals achieve their goals while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Benefits of the "Focus February" Program
1. Guidance and commitment: Through activities like the "Dream Circle," participants
share their short- and long-term goals, fostering accountability and focus.
2. Healthy routine: Structured sessions include mindfulness practices, training,
coworking, and social activities. We participated in yoga classes, wine tastings, cold-
water immersions in the English Channel, and community dinners.
3. Mutual support: The community provides assistance, mentorship, and a safe space for
sharing experiences and concerns.
4. Optimal concentration: The peaceful surroundings of the castle and its natural setting
enhance creativity and productivity.
5. Shared inspiration: Being part of a motivated and creative community facilitates the
exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Initial Objectives of the Exchange
The key objectives outlined at the beginning of the experience were:
Integrate into the daily life of a coliving space, actively engaging with its community.
Present the longevity and best practices project to the château’s residents.
Explore the region and immerse ourselves in the local culture.
Share our experience on social media and document it in a travel diary.
Activities During the Exchange Period
Our arrival coincided with the final week of the Focus February program, a group that
had been working intensely throughout the month. To facilitate our integration, we
organized a welcome dinner, where we shared traditional products from Pontevedra
and introduced our project.
Throughout the week, we took part in various activities, including:
Wine tasting and visiting the weekly town market.
Participating in the weekly cold-water immersion in the English Channel.
Hosting a community dinner, where we shared experiences and professional goals.
To conclude our stay, we attended a special farewell dinner hosted by the château's
organizers, where a video summarizing the month's work was presented, highlighting
our participation.
Finally, we explored nearby villages and witnessed firsthand how the local community
values and acknowledges the work being done at Chateau Coliving.
Conclusion
The exchange at Chateau Coliving was a transformative experience that not only
allowed us to present the "De Vella a Bella" project in an international setting but also
helped us forge meaningful connections and expand our vision of active aging.
Chateau Coliving has proven to be a space where productivity and well-being are
perfectly balanced, demonstrating that remote work can coexist with collaboration,
creativity, and personal development.
This experience reinforced the importance of creating inclusive spaces for individuals
over 60 and continuing to promote initiatives that foster a fulfilling and active
longevity.
