title: [Interdisciplinarity in gerontology: Theoretical problems and practical challenges].
abstract: Philosophy of science is the theoretical background of this article. Firstly, a definition of interdisciplinarity is given, integrating experiences from longitudinal studies in gerontology and arguing for rejecting the large vocable "interdisciplinarity", because of its overloaded meaning. Secondly, science-oriented, sociopsychological and practical barriers of interdisciplinary work in gerontology are presented, whereby the central statement is that interdisciplinarity is preconditionally dependent on a "culture of understanding". Thirdly, a model of interdisciplinarity in gerontology is shown. In general, this article does not focus on the question whether gerontology is a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary discipline but how the requirement of interdisciplinarity can be successfully implemented. In conclusion, interdisciplinarity is not established due to the subject (of aging) or a methodological approach but evolves based on reciprocal contact between different disciplines, which can be entitled "fair cooperation."
authors: Lehrstuhl für Gerontologische Pflege, Pflegewissenschaftliche Fakultät, Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Vallendar, Pallottistr. 3, 56179, Vallendar, Deutschland, hbrandenburg@pthv.de.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Brandenburg
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005858:Germany; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012586:Science / Q000458:organization & administration*