ABSTRACT
The contribution argues for (and outlines) the necessity of a comprehensive perspective on old age which integrates developmental potential and vulnerability. This integration is elucidated further in the context of self-understanding and self-design as both a challenge and potential in old age, limit situations, and dementia. The following parts of the contribution refer to the ethics of responsibility as an important starting point for a comprehensive understanding of old age. The goal is to explicate basic positions of an anthropology of old age and to suggest a definition of an age-friendly culture as a principal aim of ageing policy and the respective guidance.
