The Wellbeing Bank Is Now Open

When is a person old? Does it depend on chronological age, an attitude, the lines in the mirror, or your own perception? As a nation we’re living longer than ever before. With the tail end of the ‘baby boomer’ generation now turning 50, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has opened a ‘wellbeing bank’ at www.boomers.org.nz

“We are continually reminded about making financial plans for our retirement, but how many of us ever think about planning for our emotional wellbeing in later life?” asks Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the MHF, and a baby boomer herself.

This new site will show people how to plan for their mental wellbeing in later life. It also tackles the stereotyping and discrimination associated with ageing, and how to boost your mental health.

“Ageing is part of life, but we can plan so that our older years have meaning, purpose and joy,” Judi Clements says.

“Encouraging the idea of planning for your emotional wellbeing in retirement, or when you ease off the work pedal a little, can help make what is often a very difficult life transition, much easier.

“We want people to start building their own personal ‘wellbeing bank’ by providing them with some simple tools, resources and examples that will create resilience and allow people to flourish in their later years,” she says.

What are your plans? Maybe you can discuss them with your spouse, your friends or your children and get their perspectives to help with your own plans. Pick a lively older person you know and ask them their secrets on a fulfuliing and exciting life. Never stop seeking new experiences or being open to learning.