Achieving happiness at care farms in the Netherlands

Abstract

Care farms in the Netherlands, also known as social farms, are thought of as valuable day services centres, and sometimes as residential care providers, for highly diverse and mixed groups. This article is about the features of happiness at care farms. The main question is: what is the potential for achieving happiness at care farms in the Netherlands? Psychologist Ap Dijksterhuis’ theory on the components of happiness serves as a conceptual framework. Based on a literature study examining the qualities and values of care farms, the features of happy living at care farms in the Netherlands are described and illustrated with examples from three present-day practices. The care farmers were interviewed about their ideas and methods in relation to contributing to a good and happy life for care farm participants. This ideal life is mainly accomplished by means of: the stimulation of flow experiences through (farm-based) activities, emphasizing a connection with others and with nature; and providing farm-based products and services to the surrounding community.