[Theses on critical gerontology from a social science point of view]

This contribution formulates several key statements concerning a critical gerontology and is intended as a starting point for further thought and discussion from the perspective of critical social sciences. In terms of scientific theory, it follows a concept of normative universalism, distinguishing itself from a mere "science of order", which would be restricted to social self-observation. The assumptions focus on dealing with the social construct of age(ing) under the conditions of modern capitalist societies and on putting age(ing) into context with neo-liberal economic and social politics. This contribution explains some aspects of restructuring the German welfare state into an "activating state", a process accompanied by the casualisation of many older people's life circumstances. Moreover, some cultural perspectives of self-determined life in old age are demonstrated, which invariably should also be seen as a learning task. In this way, the complex interactions between gerontology and social and political practice in terms of praxeological and critical research are covered in their totality. At the same time, critical gerontology is oriented towards what is humanly possible and attempts to identify restrictions to a fulfilling life in old age and to suggest perspectives of how such restrictions can be overcome. The aim is to reflect on our own professional behaviour, to make it more compatible theoretically with critical scientific discourses on ageing and thus contribute to the emancipation of older people from discourses of dominance.