Dutch policies towards ageing

Abstract

To cope with demographic ageing trends, the Dutch government has implemented a wide range of institutional reforms. With this, the government has targeted public finances, the risk-taking capacity of the economy and scarce human capital as its main areas of challenge. This paper details the most prominent reforms, looking particularly at social insurance, public pensions and health care. As reforms tighten eligibility criteria and reshape institutions it is to be hoped that the emphasis will shift to capitalise upon individuals’ capabilities rather than to focus on their handicaps.