What is well-being?
Well-being is the physical and mental health that comes from high levels of positive interaction between the individual, their ‘mental capital’ and their circumstances.
According to nef, ‘high levels of well-being mean that we are more able to respond to difficult circumstances, to innovate and constructively engage with other people and the world around us’.
How can co-housing enable well-being?
A design to promote well-being builds in opportunities for social interaction (and privacy when needed!) and physical activities.
At Hockerton Housing Project the combination of the private homes, shared land and co-operative business promote:
- Responsibility: each adult has responsiblity to support shared elements of the project, giving them a strong sense of self within the community
- Community: alongside that sense of self there is also a strong sense of support
- Physical exercise: every family helps grow food and maintain the land
- Mental stimulation: residents take responsiblity for actions
- Fulfilment: new skills and friendships develop as a result