[Extension of life from a psychogeriatric viewpoint]

Life prolongation (lp) is not only a quantitative, but also a qualitative concept, especially when we look at the factors, which cause life prolongation. One of the consequences of lp is that in the Western world most people live into old age (defined as reaching the age of 65). Now the question is: do we have to continue to work on this product of 'progression-mindedness'. Do we like lp, considering all the negative features which accompany this phenomenon? We think that to a certain extent quality of life has been affected by lp. Qualitative lp we connect to the meaningfulness of lp. What do we understand by meaning? First, we describe some cases. These cases show that meaning is an interactive process, which, we can best conceptualize as commitment. We describe the different categories of commitment and their function. This makes clear the relations between commitment and the development of the individual older person. A consequence would be, that where commitments no longer exist, life prolongation should not be pursued.