The municipality of Westerveld in particular is relatively popular. Between 2017 and 2020, the number of people over 50 in the municipality grew by 450, or 22.9 seniors per 1000 inhabitants. In a national competition, Westerveld would win the silver medal. Only Laren (North Holland) had a higher balance: 29 seniors per 1000 inhabitants.
Elly Borm (62) has just shut down her computer at the Moleneind in Diever. The homework day is over. She walks out of the house with a glass of juice, while a late afternoon sun falls over her vegetable garden. Lettuce, garlic, herbs: everything grows. The eye falls on a rotten strawberry. “I still have to practice gardening a bit, we have never had such a large vegetable garden. But I love it, that diligent work. This is something that was simply not possible in the Randstad.”
Before this, Elly lived in Nieuwkoop (South Holland) for 35 years, together with her husband Piet (66). Last April the couple moved to Westerveld. The time was ripe for peace, for space, for nature.
A few times a week, Piet and Elly chat with florist Henk, the neighbor. Then they talk about Henk’s flowers, or about the weather or the neighbours. “You notice that there is more of a community here than in the Randstad,” says Elly. “That feels good.”