Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport and Social Organizations Urge - Talk About Tomorrow Today
Published on: 09-08-2024
Half of the people between the ages of 60 and 75 discuss their future, according to new research. To encourage more conversations about the future, the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS) is launching a nationwide campaign called "Talk About Tomorrow Today." By initiating these discussions early, people can ensure they will be able to do what is important to them later in life. The campaign encourages people to talk about staying fit, where they want to live, and how they can support each other if care is needed.
This campaign follows an earlier initiative launched by the association of more than 400 care organizations, ActiZ. Alongside the National Campaign, the Senior Coalition, the Senior Network Netherlands, Growing Older 2040, and ActiZ are organizing activities and meetings aimed at getting as many people as possible to have conversations about their future.
As a 65-year-old, I am part of the target group. I am consciously focused on maintaining my independence for as long as possible by staying active, both physically and mentally, thinking about how I want to live later, and discussing with my family and friends what we can do for each other in the future. It is encouraging that one in two people aged 60 to 75 are already talking about the future. Through this campaign, activities, and meetings, we aim to show how positive these conversations can be, encouraging even more people to engage in them.
Talking About the Future? Beneficial, Say 60-Plus Individuals
Just as people once discussed school choices, preparing for their first job, or finding a new home, it should be just as normal to have conversations about the future. New research shows that more than half (56%) of people have talked about their future with friends or children. Among this group, 84% found these discussions to be beneficial. The most commonly discussed topic is housing, with 76% mentioning it. Almost as frequently, people talk about staying active and mentally sharp. Among those who have not yet discussed their future, a quarter expressed an intention to do so within the next five years. This research was conducted among over 1,000 people aged 60 to 75, commissioned by the Ministry of VWS.
National Campaign: What Matters to You for the Future?
The "Talk About Tomorrow Today" campaign can be seen on television, in newspapers, magazines, on waiting room screens, and via social media. On the website praatvandaagovermorgen.nl, you can find tips, conversation cards, videos, and personal stories. The campaign focuses on real-life stories and experiences. The campaign's themes are:
- Looking out for each other
- Comfortable living
- Staying healthy and fit
The campaign is part of the Housing, Support, and Care for the Elderly program.
National Dialogue on Aging
Various parties are organizing events and activities over the next two years to stimulate a national dialogue on aging
- Street Actions and City Dialogues in Rotterdam
- The "Talk About Tomorrow Today Rotterdam-Rijnmond" campaign focuses on the question, "How do you want to grow old?" This initiative, launched by Together for Vulnerable Elderly 010 (SVKO010), involves trained volunteers from Win010 engaging in conversations with residents aged 55 and older and their loved ones about preparing for the next stage of life. In addition to street actions, Win010 is also organizing city dialogues for the target group in all Rotterdam neighborhoods. For more information about the SVKO010 campaign, visit praatvandaagovermorgen010.nl.
- Senior Coalition
- The Senior Coalition (a collaboration between ANBO-PCOB, Koepel Gepensioneerden, NOOM, and SOMNL) is organizing a series of local and regional conversations for people over 60 under the title "Growing Stronger: Talk About Tomorrow Today." This year, regional meetings are planned in the Zwolle, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Groningen, and Rotterdam areas. Interested? Sign up via the website deseniorencoalitie.nl.
- Senior Network Netherlands
- The provincial KBOs of the Senior Network Netherlands are organizing around 1,000 local meetings at the neighborhood and village level this year and next, under the motto: "Seniors Taking Charge; Talk About Tomorrow Today." The goal is to increase the self-reliance of older adults and develop living and care initiatives that meet local needs and opportunities. They are working with municipalities, care providers, and housing corporations.
- Growing Older 2040
- As part of the Growing Older 2040 program, work is being done with citizens, public and private organizations, and knowledge and government institutions on a transformation agenda for an aging society. In the coming years, the involved parties will work on developing and scaling up concrete solutions, such as new living and mobility concepts, technological solutions, and support for participation and meaning. Want to stay informed? Sign up for the newsletter at ouderworden2040.nl.
- ActiZ
- ActiZ started the public approach "Talk About Tomorrow Today" in 2019, with various regional activities and space for care organizations and others (municipalities, welfare) to choose their own local approach. As a result of this effort, more than 100 care organizations are now actively discussing the future, often in collaboration with regional stakeholders such as municipalities and welfare organizations. ActiZ will continue to actively support local and regional initiatives of "Over Morgen" in the coming years. Additionally, the organization will remain involved with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and the Labor Market and Training Foundation for Nursing, Care Homes, Home Care, and Youth Health Care in the employee approach of "Over Morgen."
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