title: [The significance of the 3d phase of life].
abstract: After a short discussion of the changed situation of the elderly in society, the question is taken up whether old age has a value of its own. Is it only a period of life in which all capacities diminish or are there perhaps fundamental human values which specifically belong to old age. The author answers that, although there are no such values, it nevertheless can be said that some values which are important in each period of life have more chance to be realized in old age. Discussed are in this connection values such as love, friendship, resignation, realistic attitude, religion, gratitude and wisdom. Some of these values are neglected in modern society with its 'activistic' culture, and of some of them the full meaning is narrowed down. This leads to the conclusion that not only the elderly would profit from the cultivation of the said values, but also society as a whole.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009038:Motion; D009426:Netherlands; D012945:Social Values; D012947:Social Work
vernacular_title: De betekenis van de derde levensfase.