100NO 625: The Inspiring Teun Toebes on ...

Today, we are shooting over to (Netherlands) where we are joined by an incredible young man.

At just 21, after finishing his nursing degree Teun Toebes made the bold decision to move into a nursing home -, living alongside people with dementia to understand their world from the inside. His firsthand experiences have fueled his mission to break stigmas and push for a more humane, inclusive approach to aging.

He has captured his experiences in his bestselling book The Housemates and an award winning documentary - Human Forever. 

Teun ... welcome to 100 Not Out!

QUESTIONS - 

Absolutely! Here are six thought-provoking questions for your interview with Teun Toebes:

1. Living in a Nursing Home – You made the extraordinary decision to move into a nursing home at just 21. Can you take us back to that moment? What motivated you, and what was the biggest surprise about day-to-day life there?
   
   
2. Changing the Narrative on Dementia – There’s a lot of fear and stigma surrounding dementia. From your experience, what’s the biggest misconception people have, and how can we shift the way we think about it?
   
   
3. Emotional Impact & Personal Growth – Living with people who have dementia is not just a professional choice—it’s deeply personal. How has this experience changed you as a person?
   
   
4. Global Perspectives on Elder Care – You’ve traveled and studied elder care systems worldwide. What are some of the most inspiring or innovative approaches you’ve seen? What should other countries be learning from them?
   
   
5. The Role of Young People – Many assume aging and elder care are concerns for the older generation. Why do you believe young people should be more involved, and how can they contribute?
   
   
6. A Vision for the Future – If you could redesign the way society treats aging and dementia from the ground up, what would that look like? What’s one action each of us can take today to help create that future?
   
   

Would you like me to adjust the tone or focus based on your podcast’s style?

Notes From the Docco

Teun Toebes

One of the coolest wardrobes I think I’ve ever seen!

This episode will get you thinking about your future, maybe that of your parents too. 

Why they put me in here I don’t know. Love my home etc

I’m no longer of any use whatsoever - Teun do you think it’s a lot more DIFFICULT to live with purpose when you’re in a nursing home?

Why do you think we have so fully invested in it …

96yo - what use is it now if I am alive?

Moldova - put out of their misery at age 60!!

Denmark - Freedom, safety, autonomy. Dies safety outweigh all?

Reduction in medicine use - looks like a farm stay. Lots of outdoor time. Vit D. The eyes. 

Moldova - dementia goes into psych ward. Shares room with 5 people. 

Dementia - indifference - they wouldn’t know anyway. Let’s talk about that …

We think it’s really strange that a young person lives with older people with dementia 

Living together is about the feeling of security - emotional safety. Being subsidized or incentivized to give it is not the way. It must be intrinsic. 

92yp Eli was sad when Teun went out for the day. He was missed. Emotional … safety. 

Sth Africa - some people

Think older people with dementia are witches … and burn them … we still have so much to learn …

Prevent the Dement - FINGER method

1. Exercise
2. Diet
3. Brain activity 
4. Social
5. Vascular - Diabetes, cholesterol etc. what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. 

How did you become so emotionally available? Your parents, upbringing? Incredible engagement …

Lady in Sth Africa - I’m the lucky one who gets to look after  my parents … not everyone gets that opportunity.