[How can preparation for old age become a tool for prevention?]

Preparation for old age is defined as the sum of all efforts at any point in the life-course for better coping with old age. Eight theoretical orientations are sketched from which conclusions for the preparation for old age may be deduced. Nine points of critique are formulated (ethical objections, compensatory function, provision for work, retarded beginning, partially false content, needy people are not reached, neglect of the information diffusion processes and of the interindividual differences, low results). Four postulates concerning a responsible preparation for old age conclude the article (professionalization, extended time perspective, diversification, continuous amelioration by evaluation).