[Very old age as a problem of acceptance. A position paper].

The demographic trend towards an ageing society implies increasing numbers of persons well advanced in years. According to a performance-oriented sociocultural frame of reference, the societal acceptance of this group in terms of personal esteem and social integration is no longer self-evident. Based upon generalizing prejudices, disregarding the individual progress of ageing, elderly persons are often perceived as an unproductive burden. By means of detailed theses, problem areas are presented and analysed, linked to a reduction of "useful" social performance and to patterns of reaction against the loss of personal and social acceptance. Potentials for the advancement of a self-determined life practice, aiming at maintaining largely the competence for meaningful personal action, are discussed. A "humanization of well advanced old age" is advocated, combining as long as possible competence for independent living with social integration through active citizenship.