My dear CADS,
I hope this finds you well and keeping cool—what a scorcher it’s been in Amsterdam! Would you believe it was hotter here last weekend than in Curaçao, where I happened to be at the time? And while I missed the A10’s 750th birthday bash, I have to say: hats off to the city of Amsterdam for their creativity in turning a major highway into a three-day party venue. Very entrepreneurial!
June Dinner Recap
On June 19th, Julia Heidstra kindly stepped in to host our quarterly dinner (in my absence) and also treated us to a thought-provoking talk. She spoke about the realities of ageing—both personal and societal—and the financial implications of our increasingly long lives. The discussion that followed was rich and interactive. Together, members
explored the joys and dilemmas of longevity. For instance: if people make lifestyle choices that bring them happiness but may compromise their health, what does that mean for future care and cost? Julia shared practical, accessible tips covering nutrition, exercise, mental wellbeing, sleep, and the importance of planning ahead (think wills and
care wishes). I’ve included her helpful advice below. Thank you, Julia, for a wonderful evening and for wearing both hats—host and speaker—with such ease!
Tips for healthy ageing
1. Keep the Brain Sharp
• Stay mentally active: read, learn, puzzle, play games.
• Stay socially connected: friendships, clubs, volunteering.
• Prioritise sleep: 7–9 hours help with memory and mood.
• Manage stress: mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises.
2. Eat for Longevity
• Go Mediterranean: fresh produce, fish, legumes, olive oil.
• Cut back on processed foods and sugar.
• Avoid overeating; hydrate well.
3. Keep Moving
• Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.
• Strength training twice a week keeps bones and muscles strong.
• Balance and flexibility: yoga, tai chi, or stretching.
4. Stay on top of Screenings
• Regular checks for BP, cholesterol, glucose, vision, hearing, cancer.
• Stay current on vaccinations—flu, shingles, COVID, pneumonia.
5. Avoid Harmful Substances
• Quit smoking—it’s never too late.
• Drink in moderation.
• Use prescription meds responsibly.
6. Nurture Emotional Health
• Avoid isolation—loneliness has serious effects.
• Find purpose and gratitude.
• Don’t hesitate to seek support.
7. Protect Your Body
• Sunscreen and shade are your friends.
• Prevent falls: clear home hazards, use aids if needed.
• Support bone health: calcium, vitamin D.
8. Know Your Risks
• Family history matters—use it to personalise your prevention plan.
• Consider genetic counselling or a consultation with a geriatrician.
9. Plan Ahead
• A will, advance directives, power of attorney—all essential.
• Look into long-term care options before you need them.
Garden Party at the Ambassador’s Residence
Dee van Doorn and I had the pleasure of attending the British Ambassador’s Summer garden party on June 11 to mark King Charles III’s official birthday. I was there as CADS Chair, and Dee attended in her role as Chair of BritSoc. It was a thoroughly British affair, complete with UK vendors (cheese, candles, jams), and the star of the show: a fish & chip van serving classic “fish suppers” with mushy peas followed by strawberries & cream! Delightful.
CADS Amsterdam Boat Cruise – book now!
Our Summer break means no lunch, dinner, or newsletter in July. But we’ll be back in style with the CADS Boat Cruise on Friday, August 15—a much-loved annual tradition!
Details:
• Two-course hot lunch
• Free-flowing wine
• Beautiful canal views
• Price: €87,50
• Guests welcome! (Partners or potential new members encouraged.)
Spots are limited to 50, so please reserve early if you’d like to join. I’ll send the formal invite closer to the date.
Repeat Request for Photos!
As part of our ongoing website revamp, we’d love to showcase more photos of past CADS events. If you have any high-quality images that reflect the spirit of our community (no matter how old), please send them my way!
Photo Consent Reminder: Some of these photos may appear on publicly accessible pages of the CADS website. If you’d prefer not to appear in any images, just let me know.
Otherwise, I’ll assume you’re happy for us to include your smiling face.
Calendar of events
To help with planning ahead, here’s our confirmed event calendar for the rest of 2025. Please note a few dates are slightly off the usual 3rd Friday due to venue availability. We’re always looking for excellent speakers—particularly for 2026 and beyond—so if you know someone compelling (or would like to speak yourself!), let me know. We don’t pay external speakers, but we do thank them with a nice lunch and a bottle of something lovely.
Final Note
Thanks for all your ongoing support and enthusiasm. It’s what makes CADS such a special community. Our next event is the Annual Boat trip on Friday August 15th in Amsterdam. Book up now!!
