The Dutch population continues to work to an older age, generally doing so in good health. Even at an advanced age, most people are physically and mentally able to perform their work. However, the groups of people who are unable to do so, such as those with little education or those who work in physically demanding jobs, require our ongoing attention.

Well-being and social cohesion are important pillars for how society can withstand a crisis, such as a pandemic. It is therefore important to pay continuous attention to these factors—before, during, and after a crisis.

The number of people aged 65 and over living independently who participated in a fall risk assessment has increased. This assessment is used to determine the risk of falling. In 2024, the assessment was administered at least 50,000 times. This is still below the intended target of 14 per cent of all elderly people living independently (over 500,000).

Participation in the three population screening programmes for cancer offered by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has met with varying interest. Participation in breast cancer screening decreased again last year. A (slight) increase was observed in the screening programmes for colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.

Most people in the Netherlands (76 per cent) brush their teeth at least two times a day. Another 22 per cent brush once a day, while 2 per cent do not brush every day. This is evident from new figures reported for RIVM’s Oral Health Monitor.

The mental health of higher education students was slightly better in 2025 compared with 2021. Among other things, fewer students reported emotional exhaustion, loneliness and pressure to perform. That being said, a large proportion of students still feel ill at ease and experience mental health issues.

Specific pathogenic bacteria in the Netherlands showed increasing resistance in 2024. In particular, bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and skin infections were more frequently resistant to medicines than in previous years.

Climate change will lead to more tropical days and warm nights in summer, and fewer cold days in winter. In the Netherlands the risk of dying increases when it is hot. The municipality of Amsterdam wants to know what this means for their residents. Therefore, RIVM investigated whether there was an association between temperature and mortality in Amsterdam between 2007 and 2019.

The Netherlands Cohorts Consortium (NCC) will receive an infrastructure subsidy of 17 million euros for a large-scale study into healthy ageing. Through its Doetinchem Cohort Study, RIVM is one of the partners in the NCC.