Abstract:
The article describes existing research on gerontology, and explores the role of pastoral care. When focusing on gerontology from a pastoral care point of view, certain multiprofessional aspects need to be considered. The article aims to highlight insights on the subject from the field of sociology, and to enable pastors to engage meaningfully with elderly persons. Reflection on the changing
social environment emphasises the difficulties that retirement and the resulting loss of authenticity pose to the older person. The article considers how pastoral care as part of a multidisciplinary team could fulfil a positive role in gerontology.