What is the Abundant Life Project?

Based on the Elmhirst’s philosophy that ‘an abundant life is a happy life’ and following the long Dartington tradition of experimentation, the Abundant Life project is our response to the changing demography of the UK.

Nearly 20% of the UK population is now over retirement age, which means for the first time in recorded history, there are more pensioners in the UK than there are under 16s. With all the post war baby boomers reaching retirement age over the next few years, the numbers of older people will continue to increase.

In a culture that has traditionally viewed older people as a drain on resources, this emerging demographic challenges us to think differently about retirement — looking at the very real opportunities available to make a valuable contribution to existing communities.

We plan to develop a flagship residential community for those over the age of 55; where creativity and personal development will run alongside support for life — older residents will play an important part in the wider community and keep active, busy and full of purpose. Dartington wants to help shape thinking and provision for retirement living, just as it did for schooling and education on the same physical site.