['Ageing with ambition'; a recommendation from the Health Council of The Netherlands].
The Health Council of the Netherlands, at the request of the policy committee for the elderly of the Dutch parliament, has deliberated over the intermediate- and long-term developments in the field of 'care and ageing'. In a comprehensive report, the overall conclusion is that there is sufficient room for the ambition to stimulate the health, independence and welfare of the elderly. The effects of biological ageing and the connections that exist between ageing, life span, illness and wellbeing are addressed. The number of people with illnesses and functional disorders will inevitably increase with ageing of the population. Nevertheless, numerous opportunities will arise to achieve health benefits and increase the quality of life. A range of measures is proposed in the field of prevention and treatment. An innovative policy on the elderly, political courage and social solidarity will be necessary in order to achieve 'ageing with ambition'. However, as pointed out in the report, health care is not merely an expense but also an important service industry that provides employment to a large number of people.
Slaets
J P J
JP
Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Klinische Geriatrie, Postbus 30.00o, 9700 RB Groningen. j.p.j.slaets@oprit.rug.nl
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D011788:Quality of Life