Caregiver Monitor Q4 2024: Healthy aging

But to what extent are people over fifty currently focused on their health? To gain insight into this, Beep for Help investigates every quarter whether and how Dutch people over fifty are preparing for their later years. This time, we are focusing on the theme of 'health'. The results are based on a representative sample of more than one thousand Dutch people between the ages of fifty and 65.

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The later years give people over fifty food for thought

From the age of 75, the risk of chronic illnesses and physical limitations increases significantly. This has long been evident from the RIVM's study 'Healthy Ageing in the Netherlands'. Common conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, osteoarthritis, and diabetes are the leading causes of the loss of healthy life years among older adults. This makes early attention to health and prevention essential. It seems that potential future health issues bring considerable worry. For instance, research by Beep for Help shows that 59 percent of Dutch over-50s occasionally worry about getting older. One-third of people in their sixties even report having worried more over the past quarter than before.

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Exercising more proves to be a challenge

Getting enough exercise helps people age healthily and independently. The Physical Activity Guidelines advise adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week, such as walking or cycling, and to do muscle- and bone-strengthening activities twice a week. Yet many over-50s fall short. Research shows that more than half feel they exercised too little over the past year. In North Holland in particular, over-50s are not exercising enough: 64 percent believe they did not get sufficient physical activity in the past year.

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Savings as a safety net for healthcare costs

Healthcare costs continue to rise. At the start of 2025, the average health insurance premium rose by more than €11 per month, bringing the average cost of basic coverage to €158.72 per month. This can place additional financial strain on households, especially for those who will need more care in the future. Research by Beep for Help reveals that thirty percent of Dutch over-50s are already saving for unexpected healthcare costs. This group is anticipating potential medical expenses not fully covered by health insurance. As many as 34 percent of surveyed individuals living alone are putting money aside for future care costs.

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High medical expenses cause financial problems

Many over-50s wonder what their financial situation will look like down the road. A previous Informal Care Monitor showed that 48 percent fear experiencing financial difficulties after retirement. When it comes to medical expenses, these concerns appear justified: ten percent of over-50s experienced financial hardship recently due to high healthcare costs. Women in their fifties were particularly squeezed financially (twelve percent).

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Healthy nutrition is a top priority

A healthy diet helps maintain fitness, preserve muscle mass, and lower the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the RIVM, eating a varied, balanced diet is a key foundation for healthy ageing. Fortunately, research by Beep for Help indicates that 83 percent of over-50s pay conscious attention to their diet. Eating mindfully appears to be an especially important priority among women over sixty (92 percent).

View more Caregiver Monitors
Curious about previous studies? Every quarter, Beep for Help publishes a Caregiver Monitor to provide insight into the concerns and expectations of people over fifty in the Netherlands regarding various topics. Here you will find an overview of previous editions.

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