[Potentials in old age: personal and social processes of their development]

In developed societies, antecedents of and conditions for the development of older people's potentials are favorable. Longevity and wellbeing have increased through progress in hygiene, medicines economy, and ecology. Nevertheless, potentials of the elderly are a neglected theme in the media, in social policy, and in scientific discourse. Along with Riley and Riley's statement that individual potential is outrunning the social potential, it is argued that aging persons have indeed developed potentials, while institutions and society have contributed little. Institutionalization rather seems to veil the potentials of the elderly and to disregard their manifestations. Potentials of the elderly are described as abilities to realistically perceive chances and limitations of life in old age, reappraise life after experiencing loss, and accept expressed in sympathy for children and grandchildren, in sharing their concerns, and taking responsibility for human and social issues in life. Older people can develop potentials, which allow them to focus less on many of their own needs and to invest energies and commitment in persons, ideas, values, or activities that can continue beyond their own lifetime.