[Changes in time perspectives in advanced age]

Three hypotheses on changes in the time perspective of elderly people and their behavioral consequences are discussed: firstly, Kuhlen's hypothesis of an increasing sensitivity for the passing of time with increasing age, secondly that of a de-differentiation of future time perspective in old age, and finally the thesis that only normative-prescriptive approaches are appropriate in the study of coping with finitude. The three hypotheses are either rejected or modified on the basis of research data. Time perspective in old age is the outcome of continuous life-long changes and adaptations in the temporal and social orientation of man.