VWS calls: start the conversation about later with your family, friends, or neighbors

What activities give you energy? Who could help you in the garden or with groceries if that is needed later? What could you already adjust in your home? Or who in your environment can you help with something? These are examples of questions from the conversation cards of the campaign Talk today about tomorrow. With these cards, people over 60 can easily start the conversation about later. For example, with their family, friends, or neighbors.

In addition to the conversation cards, a large number of social organizations organize activities that stimulate the conversation. Such as the discussion meetings Seniors in charge (Seniors Brabant-Zeeland, Seniors Limburg, and KBO-Seniors-Overijssel), Aging powerfully (Senior Coalition), and Caring for yourself, being there for each other (MantelzorgNL). Meetings where seniors can get inspiration on what they can do for later and discuss this with others.

Nicki Pouw-Verweij, Secretary of State for Long-Term and Social Care: “It is impressive to see that since the start of Talk today about tomorrow, the conversation is being held in more and more places in the Netherlands. I have seen in practice how much difference it makes when you discuss later with the people around you in time and make the first preparations. It brings peace and ensures that you remain in control of your own life. That is why we continue to highlight the importance of this conversation together with as many social organizations as possible.”

Neighbors Annie (66) and Thea (67) are already talking to each other about later. And what they can do to live comfortably. Annie: “We have installed light sensors in the hall and between the bedroom and the toilet. That saves searching for light switches in the dark.”

The two neighbors have also set up a neighborhood circle. A group of neighbors who help each other with things that cannot be planned. And who look out for each other. Annie: “We bring a pot of soup to someone who is sick, or pick up medicine.” But for other matters, neighbors are finding each other better through the neighborhood circle. “A lamp that is broken at an elderly neighbor is replaced by the neighbor. And when someones daughter goes on vacation, we look out for that neighbor together. In the past, family had to come for that, now we solve it together.”

Visit praatvandaagovermorgen.nl to start the conversation with the conversation cards. And to see which activities are being organized in your area in the coming time.

The campaign Talk today about tomorrow is conducted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) in collaboration with a large number of social organizations and builds on an initiative from the industry organization ActiZ. The campaign is part of the Framework Agreement on Elderly Care (HLO) and aims to get as many people as possible to think and discuss with their environment about later. Talk today about tomorrow will be visible in the coming months on TV, radio, social media, online, and in branded content.

In addition to the campaign, organizations such as the Senior Coalition, Seniors Network Netherlands, and MantelzorgNL organize activities and meetings throughout the country. Together, these activities stimulate a broad societal conversation about aging.