Fewer people widowed
![](https://cdn.cbs.nl/images/33344833657978474b636c65636f334c6636756767673d3d/900x450.jpg)
In the period 1996–2003, approximately 59 thousand persons were widowed annually. Since 2003, mortality has declined and as a result fewer people get widowed. This is only true for women. The annual number of widows was the same in 2006 as a decade ago. People lose their partner later in life. One in four are now 80 years or older when their partner dies, as against one in five a decade ago.
Number of widowed persons
![Number of widowed persons](https://www.cbs.nl/-/media/imported/images/2007/13/e90023g1.gif)