Nursing and health care for an aging society: the case of The Netherlands

1. Demographic developments in European and western countries are not unique. Nurses should embrace the opportunity to learn from each others' care and research initiatives for the elderly population. 2. Current transitions in health care systems should be seized as an opportunity to further establish and develop the nursing profession, for example, through joining and initiating multidisciplinary initiatives. 3. The aging population is the fastest growing population in a number of countries. The training, recruitment, and retainment of nursing staff are key to continuously provide high quality care for the elderly.