»Wir werden alt und wir sind viele« Altern in Freiheit und Würde als pastorale Perspektive.

The article deals with the topic of aging and elderly pastoral care. The author reflects on her own scientific project on aging research and elderly pastoral care and emphasizes the importance of these topics in today's society. She mentions four fundamental challenges in dealing with aging adults: appropriate living space, social connections, individual and societal resources, as well as life goals and developmental tasks. The baby boomer generation faces new challenges in old age, particularly in the areas of relationships and sexuality, as well as the role of women. It requires an elderly pastoral care that does justice to the post-materialistic values of this generation. Aging is a complex phenomenon that encompasses various dimensions such as physiological, psychological, and social aging. It requires a culture of aging that includes older people, recognizes their potentials, and shows respect and sensitivity to their needs. The fourth stage of life, characterized by dependence and the need for care, poses a special challenge and requires the safeguarding of the dignity of older people. Churches and communities should advocate for dignity and freedom in old age and contribute to societal discourses. It is important to develop a culture- and religiosity-sensitive pastoral care in the context of aging. [Extracted from the article]