Habits and rituals

On-going restructuring in the Danish care for the elderly is to a very high degree based on recognition of the significance of habits and rituals, as well on the knowledge of what is needed to alter them. Habits and rituals are concepts that are often confused in everyday patterns of thought. It is necessary to be able to distinguish between the two concepts before change can be effected. To varying degrees people are characterised by unconscious and conscious habits as well as inherited and personal rituals. Personal development, age, support from one's surroundings, and so on, determine the degree to which a person may continue or alter acquired patterns of habit and ritual.