imca marina over ouder worden: 'ik zit in de winter van mijn leven'
Nederland, zaterdag, 7 februari 2026.
Imca Marina viert in mei 2026 haar 85e verjaardag. Ze noemt zichzelf kerngezond, maar merkt duidelijk dat de jaren hun sporen nalaten. Met een opvallende eerlijkheid praat ze over het einde van het leven. Ze beschouwt zich niet meer in de herfst, maar in de winter van haar leven. Het idee van de dood maakt haar niet bang. ‘Als het je tijd is, dan is het je tijd’, zegt ze rustig. Ook na een ernstig hartinfarct en een slokdarmbloeding bleef ze gefocust op wat echt telt. Ze heeft zelfs haar uitvaart tot in detail geregeld, op Ameland, waar ze wil worden begraven. Toch is er geen sprake van passiviteit. Ze blijft optreden, blixt van energie en plant een groot feest voor haar verjaardag. Haar woorden raken veel mensen.
reflecting on life’s winter season
Dutch singer Imca Marina turns 85 in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in her personal and artistic journey [1]. Though she describes herself as “kerngezond” or fundamentally healthy, she acknowledges the physical toll of aging [1]. Persistent aches now linger longer than before, signaling undeniable changes [1]. She rejects the idea of being in the “autumn” of her life, preferring to say she is in its “winter” [1]. This metaphor reflects her awareness that life’s end is approaching [1].
calm acceptance of mortality
Marina expresses a calm detachment toward death, stating clearly: “If it’s your time, then it’s your time” [1]. Her perspective was shaped by surviving a major heart attack over ten years ago [1]. Another close call came in September when she suffered a serious esophageal hemorrhage [1]. Despite these health crises, fear does not dominate her outlook [1]. She emphasizes that dying is an inevitable part of existence, something beyond control [1]. This stoic stance resonates widely among her Dutch audience [GPT].
preparing for the farewell
The singer has already arranged the details of her funeral service [1]. She wishes to be buried on Ameland, the island where she grew up and owns a second home [1]. Arrangements include securing a pastor based in Amstelveen who will travel specifically for her ceremony [1]. By planning ahead, she seeks both peace of mind and simplicity for loved ones later [1]. Her approach underscores a practical mindset amid existential reflection [GPT].
continuing vitality through music
Despite advancing age, Marina remains active in performing live [1]. Music continues to provide her with energy and purpose [1]. She looks forward to celebrating her 85th birthday with a large event in Laren [1]. Known for decades-long popularity with songs like “Harlekino” and “Viva España”, she maintains cultural relevance [3][5]. Fans appreciate not just her music but also her candid wisdom on aging and loss [GPT].