Revitalising Rural Communities. Addressing Ageing and Depopulation in Rural Italy. Learning from the Happy Village, Fluminimaggiore

The world population prospect highlights the unprecedented ageing of the world’s population (UNDESA 2023). Current research on rural and remote communities shows unique social and environmental challenges that can impact healthy ageing differently from those facing urban populations (Keating et al. 2011). The paper analyses the case study of the municipality of Fluminimaggiore, Sardinia (Italy). In 2018, the project “Happy Village. Pensionati con la Valigia” (Happy Village for Seniors with Suitcases) was launched in the municipality. The project is based on the realisation of elderly-friendly decentralised housing. This new retirement home concept exploits hundreds of abandoned and severely ruined dwellings within the urban center. The proposed residence is targeted at elderly individuals over 65 from northern Italy and northern Europe who seek places with a predominantly mild climate, a high quality of life, and a lower cost of living.