Thinking new age limits: discrimination or necessary orientation?

Thinking new age limits: discrimination or necessary orientation?

The social perception of age has changed a lot in recent years. While age is traditionally seen as a rigid number in the passport, it is becoming increasingly evident that the reality is more complex. The sociologists Professor Claudia Vogel from the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences and Professor Harald Künemund from the University of Vechta are now discussing how age limits in science and society can be defined more precisely and adequately.

In their current keynote on the gerontology and geriatric congress in Kassel, the two experts discuss that age categorizations are often problematic. These limits, be it the beginning of compulsory schooling or the standard age limit for pension reference, can not only be regarded as discrimination, but also serve as necessary orientation aids. According to Vogel, the beginning of the high alert is often set arbitrarily at 80 or 85 years without taking into account the individual realities of life.

The diverse role of age limits

A central knowledge of the two scientists is that age limits fulfill different functions. They can serve as an orientation and be necessary to determine certain social rules. Nevertheless, the discussion about age limits should not only be led out of economic considerations. "Age limits are continuously negotiated and adapted," explains Vogel. However, it is often not taken into account that they can also serve the protection of certain groups of people.

Künemund points out that determining age limits such as compulsory schooling or eligibility is important to ensure equal treatment in society. It is about that disadvantages can be avoided through clear rules. Both scientists advocate that future research should not be focused on calendar age. Instead, it would make more sense to look at specific life phenomena such as cognitive changes or social isolation in older people.

The goal of this argument is a differentiated view of age. It is important for the two scientists that age limits are not only perceived as a rigid clue, but that they are understood in the context of individual life. This could offer a new perspective on aging and the associated challenges.

about the scientists

Professor Claudia Vogel has held the Chair of Sociology and Quantitative Social Research at the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences since 2021. Before that, she led the German old age base and is active in various specialist committees. Professor Harald Künemund, who has been working at the University of Vechta since 2006, previously researched the Free University of Berlin and focuses on the social participation of older people and research on aging.

The two experts agree that a comprehensive discussion about age limits is necessary in order to meet the needs and realities of the older generation. These dialogues could not only give important impulses in science, but also in broad society. For more information, the detailed considerations of the two scientists can be found, for example, at idw-online.de