Long may we live! Long may we live!

In 1965, the introduction of the Wet op de Bejaardenoorden made it possible to build retirement homes with state subsidies. Central government scrutinised designs for retirement homes in keeping with the general standards for new housing. Building consent and subsidies were granted only if the design met the strict demands outlined in the Prescriptions and Recommendations. The emphasis was on attaining high standards of building in meeting the growing demand for housing for the elderly. The Prescriptions and Recommendations detailed everything: the minimum dimensions of a room, which communal facilities were considered essential, the arrangement of cabinets and the presence of electrical alarm installations. The principal aim of the Prescriptions was to facilitate large-scale production while meeting the highest possible standards.