[Age as an individual social syndrome (anthropologic and pedagogic remarks)]

The terms "social" and "gesellschaftlich" have in the German language almost an identical meaning although this was not originally the case. The modern conception of what is meant by "society" originated during the enlightenment. According to Rousseau this implied the subjection of the individual to the general will. This is the rule set by society. Originally "social" contained the meaning of the spontaneous relationship of a person to the world and his fellow-human beings. Older people, however, want to establish a direct social relationship again. Their needs are not met by the system of rules laid down by society. There is no pedagogical or therapeutic service-system based on the rules of society which can help them in this respect. What is required in the direct social relationship which transcends the "Ego" and leaves him a human-being. These considerations are particularly important regarding the proposals to reduce the years of employment.