Mental fitness: developing a vital aging society: Mens sana in corpore sano

Abstract

While lifelong learning is critical to healthy aging, formal education is not for everyone. However, the benefits of learning and education ‐‐ the ‘mental fitness’ ‐‐ is just as important as physical fitness, though less visible and harder to measure. What is mental fitness and how does one exercise and develop it? For the past five years, Century House, a seniors centre in western Canada, has been engaged in the research and development of Mental Fitness Programs for the retired. This paper describes two phases of research and program development: (1) a participatory research project that defined the concept of mental fitness and the elements of a program; and (2) the development and implementation of a Mental Fitness Pilot Program. Eighteen people (aged 63 to 83) participated in a series of eight all‐day intensive workshops and a formal evaluation supports the effectiveness of the program in developing mental fitness skills, and changing attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. A mental fitness program provides the motivation and support that most people need to make important lifestyle changes and to create a more vital and productive old age. For some, it can be a process for making the dreams of a lifetime come true.