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 ColivingA 12th-Century Castle Adapted for Remote WorkChateau 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 ProgramDuring 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" Program1. Guidance and commitment: Through activities like the "Dream Circle," participantsshare 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 ExchangeThe 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 PeriodOur 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.
