Existential Questions of the Elderly
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TL;DR
The life of the elderly requires an enhanced ability to respond to the fundamental questions of existence, because this loom ever larger during old age and contribute considerably to its inherent problems.
Abstract
Objective: To prove the actual understanding of aging by younger and older people. For this purpose two surveys have been conducted. Results: Old age poses important existential challenges, namely coming to terms with the transitory character of life, coping with the approach of death and parting, enduring illness and suffering, being confronted with the question of the meaning of life and ultimate religious questions, and, finally, managing problems of loneliness, anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The life of the elderly requires an enhanced ability to respond to the fundamental questions of existence, because this loom ever larger during old age and contribute considerably to its inherent problems. The paper concludes with some remarks on an appropriate existential attitude to be adopted by the doctor in discussions with the elderly patients.