The Core Values of Happy Life Apartments – Making Aging Enjoyable
'The Best Senior Living Project in the World'
Happy Life Apartments was founded by Hans Becker, known as the 'Father of Dutch Elderly Care.' It became the world’s first hotel-style senior care project and was rated by an international senior care evaluation institute as the 'Best Senior Living Project' in 2012.
Unlike traditional nursing homes, this model revolutionized architecture, interior design, staff management, and community engagement. By prioritizing social participation, interaction, and personal fulfillment, Happy Life Apartments became a benchmark in elderly care, inspiring countries like Japan, Denmark, New Zealand, and Australia.
Four Core Values of Happy Life Apartments
The success of this model is built upon four key principles:
1.YES Culture
The 'YES Culture' is a proactive mindset that respects and maximizes seniors’ individual needs. Rather than imposing restrictions, this philosophy encourages seniors to pursue their interests and maintain their preferred lifestyle.
Under this approach, seniors actively participate in everyday activities, from learning new skills to engaging in social events, ensuring their later years are vibrant and fulfilling.
2.'Use It or Lose It' Principle
According to the Netherlands Institute for Life Sciences, the most sustainable senior care model is one that enables seniors to remain independent for as long as possible.
Happy Life Apartments discourages over-care and instead fosters self-sufficiency. Seniors are encouraged to take care of themselves in various ways, such as shopping, cooking, and housekeeping, which helps maintain their physical and cognitive functions.
3.Extended Family Culture
This principle emphasizes the importance of social connections, creating a warm community where seniors feel a strong sense of belonging.
Residents can form new friendships and participate in activities like concerts, book clubs, and gardening sessions. This approach helps combat loneliness and promotes a higher quality of life.
4.Being Your Own Master
One of the primary rules of Happy Life Apartments is to allow seniors to be the masters of their own lives. To support this, staff members do not wear uniforms, helping to eliminate the feeling of being 'under care' and instead fostering a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
This model empowers seniors to live at their own pace, preserving their dignity and confidence.
Happiness is the Most Powerful 'Anti-Aging' Energy
The true success of Happy Life Apartments lies not just in extending seniors' lifespans but in enhancing their overall quality of life.
This model offers a crucial lesson for the global senior care industry: aging should not only be about physical care but also about mental and emotional well-being. By fostering a warm, engaging, and fulfilling environment, seniors can maintain a sense of purpose and joy, truly embodying the essence of happy aging.
Regardless of age, happiness is the most powerful energy to counteract time.