Population ageing and care arrangements in later life in the Netherlands

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Care of Older Persons Emerging International Perspectives

Abstract

Population ageing is a central challenge for societies around the world. The Netherlands is no exception and has witnessed an increase in the number of older adults in the last decades. In 2020, more than 20% of Dutch citizens were older than 65 years and nearly 9% were older than 75 years (United Nations 2020). These numbers will increase further and raise societal concerns about the health conditions and care arrangements for older adults in prolonged need of support. This chapter documents, firstly, population dynamics in the Netherlands in combination with prevailing care burdens. Herein, it emphasizes the importance of chronic diseases and physical impairments that limit an individual's ability to live independently without needing increased care. Secondly, it presents the socio-political framework for care arrangements in later life in the Netherlands. Thirdly, it elaborates on the lived experiences of older adults in need of care, especially in relation to their ability to age independently. By combining these different macro and micro-level aspects, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the aging situation and the care arrangements of older adults in the Netherlands. It concludes by discussing how care needs and arrangements may change in the future.

First Page

140

Last Page

156

DOI

10.4324/9781003528432-11

Publication Date

10-23-2024

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