Purpose

Well-Being

Connection

Helping ageing Flemish communities thrive again.

The Problem

Of the 3 regions in Belgium, aging is most pronounced in the Flemish Region. The 55-69 age group is the largest group in the the legal resident population, making up 20% of the population. In some coastal communities like Koksijde and Nieuwpoort, more than 30% of the population is aged 67 years or older. In contrast, the 67+ segment makes up less than 15% of the population in cities like Antwerp and Ghent.

In these ageing communities, residents often face a double whammy of socioeconomic issues. First, the system of home healthcare in Flanders is based on health insurance fund instead of geography. So home nurses spend more time driving from home to home than providing care. Second, younger residents are leaving these communities for bigger cities, taking with them local businesses that also served as community hubs.

The Outcome

Ageing residents in Flanders are losing neighbors, losing community hubs, and experiencing less home care.

The Solution

Introducing the OpknapBuurt initiative, a 3-step process to bring purpose, well-being, and connection back to ageing Flemish communities.

We partner with residents, municipalities, and NGOs and provide a step-by-step playbook to rebuild communities.

We help communities through the expression of 3 core values:

Step by step

Translating the 3 core values into an action plan looks like the timeline below:

The OpknapBuurt Toolbox

We give every partner a toolbox containing all the resources they need to execute the 3 parts of our initiative:

  1. Renewing Purpose through the community Repair Cafe

  2. Promoting Well-Being through the Health Clinic

  3. Building Connection through co-designed activities