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Zum Verständnis von Altern und Alter
Abstract Firstly, a definition of ageing is given that differentiates between three dimensions of ageing. It is explained why a comprehensive view of ageing has to take these different dimensions into account. Taken together, they make it clear that both vulnerability and developmental potentials can be observed in later phases of life. The developmental potentials are discussed against the background of shaping the self and shaping the environment. Here, the focus is on introversion with introspection, openness, (productive) concern for other people and knowledge transfer. Opportunity structures must be offered which motivate and encourage old people to make use of their resources and to realise their potentials. The concept of potential is not to be understood in the sense of a social dictum, but as an empirically founded indication of how people in old age can succeed in leading a personally meaningful life. Paths to a personally meaningful life are reflected in the individual’s themes of existence. References are provided for the studies to which the contributions in this volume refer.
Keywords Development, life issues, opportunity structures, potentials, vulnerability
