Oude Mannenhuis

An Oudemannenhuis, or Old Men's house is a Dutch term for a home for poor men older than sixty, who could spend their final days enjoying regular meals and a clean place to sleep.

Because older men were generally less able to care for themselves than women, the city councils of the Netherlands built special purpose houses.

Like the hofjes, living in an old man's house was usually free of charge and was considered a favor.

The regents made and enforced the house rules, such as making church attendance mandatory and ladies visit or drunkenness prohibited.

Older men with means could buy a room in a Proveniershuis, which was cheaper than a rental or hotel, but afforded more luxury than an Oudemannenhuis.