Report on the Elderly 2001

The Report on the Elderly 2001 (Rapportage ouderen 2001) presents a broad picture of the social position of the elderly in the Netherlands. Central themes addressed are participation in education and the labour market, financial position, housing situation, health status, participation in physical exercise and use of services, care provisions and ICT. Elderly members of ethnic minorities and residents of nursing and care homes are also considered. The report shows that the majority of older people in the Netherlands are doing well. Moreover, their social participation improved steadily between the beginning and end of the 1990s; their participation in employment increased and their financial situation improved. Yet there are still areas where additional policy measures are needed. Policy on the elderly needs to focus particularly on those with severe health problems and those with low socioeconomic status.