haarlemsdagbladApr 5, 2026, 02:43

Jan (78) lives right across from his wife with dementia in Hof van Jacob: ‘She doesn’t recognize me anymore, but that’s okay’

78-year-old Jan Scholten has moved into a new independent apartment at the Hof van Jacob site to be near his wife, who lives in the adjacent nursing home due to dementia. Although she no longer recognizes him, Scholten expressed relief at being close to her again after their previous separation.

Lifestyle Health Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

This supermarket sambal oelek is the best: 'It makes me sweat'

Three sambal experts conducted a blind taste test of eight different brands of sambal oelek available in supermarkets. They sought to determine which commercial version provides the best heat and flavor quality for consumers.

Freek Gillissen (1955-2026) was a tower of strength for people with dementia and their loved ones

Freek Gillissen, a nursing consultant and co-founder of Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, has died at the age of 71. He was highly regarded for his commitment to supporting both dementia patients and their families by fostering meaningful communication during the progression of the disease.

André Hazes considered drinking again due to vocal problems: 'Far gone'

André Hazes has announced that he must pause his singing career due to persistent vocal problems that prevent him from performing. The singer admitted that the stress of the situation led him to briefly consider using alcohol as a coping mechanism, a thought he quickly recognized as a dangerous sign of his deteriorating health.

Rietje (87) trains for world record at 100: "I'm just going to try"

Eighty-seven-year-old Amsterdam resident Rietje Dijkman continues to train regularly for athletics competitions despite having two artificial hip replacements. She recently set a new Dutch record in the long jump and is now working toward her ambitious goal of breaking the world record for the 100-meter dash at age one hundred.