The Third Period of Human Life. Stagnation or a Chance to Develop? Cover Image

Trzeci okres życia człowieka. Stagnacja czy szansa na rozwój?
The Third Period of Human Life. Stagnation or a Chance to Develop?

Author(s): Andrzej Pryba
Subject(s): Anthropology, Psychology, Theology and Religion, Family and social welfare, Gerontology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Papieskiego Jana Pawła II w Krakowie
Keywords: old age; autumn of life; aging; family; development; well- being, the fullness of life;

Summary/Abstract: The starting point for the analysis of this article are sociological and psychological studies on late maturity of a man living today. This point of view was used to further research on the issue of human functioning in the autumn of life. First, an attempt was made to define the concept of “aging process” and to present various types of human attitudes towards the phenomenon of aging. Then the analysis was conducted on the role of family in the lives of older people and attempts were made to answer the question posed in the title of the article. It turned out that for the elderly the family is the most important reference plane. It guarantees acceptance, safety and care. This is where you can most effectively solve various human problems inherent in the people in the autumn of life. Man should develop on all levels of his personality throughout his life so also in the period of the late maturity. So that this development could reach the level of well-being, a person should have a clearly defined purpose and meaning of life. Theological anthropology reveals the truth about man and God – the Absolute Person who is the ultimate goal. The realization of this objective made authentically, on the level of personal dialogue leads man to the fullness of life.

  • Issue Year: 19/2015
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 175-191
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish