STAROŚCI SIĘ NIE WYBIERA – WIEK SĘDZIWY W PERSPEKTYWIE TEOLOGICZNO-PASTORALNEJ
Old age is not a matter of choice – the evening of life from theological and pastoral perspectives

Summary/Abstract: Old age is a natural life process. People do not choose it, they can only accept it. This truth is expressed, among other sources in the Bible, and in the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and of popes.Biblical texts present old age in an ambivalent manner. On one hand, they perceive it as God’s gift, by glorifying knowledge, experience, sagacity and wisdom while, on the other hand, they depict indispositions related to this age. The Bible sees old age in earthly maturation towards eternal happiness and unity with God. In a symbolic sense, it emphasizes the transformation of “an old man” (veti hominis) into a new one. This biblical and theological perspective provides a counterbalance to the perception of old age in postmodern society, where old age is looked at, among other things, through the prism of social capital, social roles, demographics, the labour market, economics and social policy, recognizing, first of all, the social and economic consequences of the process of ageing. The one-sidedness of such a view can be balanced by a theological and pastoral reflexion concerning old age. The Church in its teaching and pastoral care reminds us of the dignity and mission of the eldest. While referring to the life testimony of elderly persons, and particularly their suffering, it presents a Christian vision of old age.

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