Emotional Health For Emotional Wealth: The View From A Therapist's Office There is an old saying "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail". Whilst you cannot 'fail' in becoming a senior citizen (unless you die young), you can increase your chances of a good quality of life in later years.

No, it is never too late to develop your plan for your future. See my chapters about dealing with loss (Loss is Part of Life) and "Create Your Future Now". You are the one responsible for your quality of life now and in the future.

Yes, healthy eating and exercise is vital so start today to create good health habits. They will not stop the aging process. What I have learned though, is that a healthy body weight means you are more likely to be supple and agile as you age. Try yoga. Drinking at least a litre of water every day to keep your skin hydrated is a beauty tip I heard years ago and it makes sense, is econimical, and so easy to do! Why not try it?

Keep your mind stimulated - start new hobbies, read, do crosswords (if you can - my mind does not work that way), learn to use all the new technology of the internet age so that you don't become a dinosaur!

Manage stress. Pets can be a great help - stroking a cat or dog can reduce your heart rate. Try massage therapies like reflexology, indian head massage, aromatherapy. Lavender oil has a calming influence - try it on your pillow at night, put it in your rooms, with your clothes. The reason why stress management skills become crucial as you get older is that loved ones start dying off, retirement is a psychological adjustment, even grandchildren can bring stress into your life was well as joy.

When young it was hard for me to imagine being old. I thought there were three types of human beings:men, women and old people - a different species all together. Now as an old person I realise (a bit late) that all old people were young men and women once!

Money. You do need to plan for your financial future as soon as you can - start today. Start as young as twenty. I didn't because I believed what I was told in my teens (that the government would take care of me when old). No government is going to meet all your needs in later years so you do need to take responsibility for your financial needs and thus quality of life.

Put money aside in a savings plan, get into a pension scheme, research what money you might need for a comfortable old age and prepare for it now. Do you really want to have to chose between eating or heating when old? That is the reality for many old people all around the world. How do you wish to live in later life?