The quo vadis of gerontology: on the scientific paradigm of gerontology.

A critical examination of fundamental assumptions of gerontological research reveals problematic sources of concept and theory development. For example, the misery and resource perspectives on aging and the aged are viewed as "overflow" from ideals of Western society. When empirical findings conflict with researchers' theories, the latter must be reexamined and revised. We should look to the aged themselves for new hypotheses, and focus on such concepts as creativity, wisdom, and play.