Nearly a quarter of Dutch voters are 65 years or older

Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of the 12.9 million Dutch who are eligible to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections are 65 years old or older, according to figures Statistics Netherlands released on Thursday.

During the previous parliamentary elections 22 percent of voters were over the age of 65. According to the statistics office, the increase can be attributed to the post-war baby boom, that lasted until 1955. In the 2012 elections only the baby boomers born in 1946 and 1947 were 65 years or older. In this election everyone born up until 1952 is 65 years and older.

In the previous election, the age group 65 and above proved to be loyal voters. 86 percent of this group cast their vote. Among young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years only 71 percent voted.

According to Statistics Netherlands, the enthusiasm to vote among the elderly is at odds with their confidence in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of parliament. Of all age groups, the elderly have the least confidence in the Kamer - only 29 percent trust parliamentarians. Though their enthusiasm to vote may stem from a determination to make a change. Among young voters 35 yeas and younger, 39 percent have confidence in parliament.

The high voter turnout among senior citizens worked out well for the CDA and 50Plus in the 2012 elections, according to Statistics Netherlands. Young voters tended to vote more for the D66 and PVV. GroenLinks and SP got relatively the most votes from the middle age group - 35 to 65 years.