Sociological research on age, aging and the aged in the Netherlands

A review is given of the socio-gerontological research in the Netherlands. According to a frame work, organising this area of research, first an overview is presented of the studies on age and ageing and next the research on the aged is summarized. The research on age and ageing is limited. Some publications analyse the social meaning of age, some cohort studies have been conducted and recently the life course approach is getting attention. Concerning the research on the aged, the main areas studied are: living circumstances, age stratification, family and social contacts, housing, work and retirement, formal and informal care, death and dying. Since 1970 the amount of socio-gerontological research has increased. It became prominent in the eighties with the promotional activities of a special committee for gerontological research. Several universities are identified with their special areas in the sociology of ageing and the aged.