Analyzing the situation of the elderly in today’s society it can be seen that flexible
modernity as well as changes concerning conditions and lifestyles require from them
reinterpretation of patterns of experiencing their old age. They are forced to work out by
themselves their own and a more contemporary model of old age. The elderly have to take up a
serious challenge that contemporary civilization puts out to them. The article which refers this
problem tries to show the situation of the elderly in today’s society.
Key words: the elderly, society, social politics, health, social care, palliative care, euthanasia