Przeciwdziałanie marginalizacji osób starszych w pastoralnej posłudze Kościoła
Counteracting the marginalization of older people in the pastoral service of the Church

Summary/Abstract: This article presents contemporary trends in the marginalization of seniors andsearches for ways to counteract these negative phenomena taking place today. Inour reflection, we only take into account the pastoral aspect, therefore, based onthe teachings of the Church, we will present an assessment of this phenomenon andthen present specific proposals for counteracting exclusion due to old age in pastoralactivities. The marginalization of seniors results from modern culture that prefersyouth, attractiveness and beauty. It is also caused by a family crisis, especially thelack of multi-generational families, which means that older people live alone, arerarely visited, and are placed by their relatives in care institutions. Social exclusionis also influenced by retirement and the loss of former social and material status, aswell as loss of health. The Church opposes the marginalization of seniors and calls forrespect for older people. She does this by showing the absolute value of the humanperson in every phase of life without exception. Various forms of pastoral care helpcounteract the social marginalization of the elderly. Seniors who are still active canjoin various parish communities, prayer groups, senior clubs, volunteering, or theUniversity of the Third Age. Pastoral care is also provided to seniors in situations ofillness and suffering. These include home and hospital visits, sacramental service andspiritual support.

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