Veteran Television Personality Rob Verlinden Transitions to Full-Time Care
Amsterdam – Rob Verlinden, the well-known Dutch television presenter famed for his gardening programs, has moved into a full-time care facility, requiring 24-hour supervision. The 75-year-vintage Verlinden, a prominent figure in Dutch television for over three decades, has faced ongoing health challenges in recent years.
The move comes after a period of recovery from a severe bout of pneumonia, during which Verlinden’s weight dropped to 59 kilograms (approximately 130 pounds). “I lay in bed with tubes for six days and weighed only 59 kilos,” Verlinden stated in an interview with De Telegraaf. “Even now, more than a month later, I’m still not fully recovered. The hospital said it could take several months to rebuild everything.”
Verlinden’s career includes hosting the popular demonstrate “Robs Grote Tuinverbouwing” (Rob’s Great Garden Makeover) for many years, before passing the reins to Ivo Putman. He previously co-hosted “Eigen Huis & Tuin” (Own House & Garden) with Nico Zwinkels, a collaboration that spanned several years. Verlinden expressed shock at Zwinkels’ recent passing, according to reports in De Telegraaf.
Despite stepping back from some of his television commitments, Verlinden remains involved in the gardening program, maintaining a degree of creative control. “It was written that I was stopping, but that is absolutely not true,” he explained. “I will still gain an item and retain control over the program. This gardening program is my brainchild, and that’s why I still want to be involved.”
Verlinden acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to reduce his workload, admitting, “I really lost sleep over it.” He also shared his determination to maintain a positive outlook, stating, “I hope to keep my self-deprecating humor.” This transition for the veteran broadcaster reflects the challenges faced by individuals navigating age-related health concerns and the evolving landscape of media careers.
The move to a care facility underscores the increasing need for specialized care among aging populations, a trend with potential implications for the healthcare sector. Verlinden’s long career in television has made him a recognizable figure in the Netherlands, and his health updates are closely followed by fans and industry observers alike.
