Religion – Alter – Demenz

Abstract

Abstract The demographic future offers intensive challenges for society as present in Germany not only with regard to the social or economic system, but also with regard to religion and the Christian church’s practice in its different fields. This research report presents the current state of research on religion and aging as far as it is relevant for practical-theological reflection, mostly limited to German-speaking context. The perspective of gerontology is considered as well as research from sociology and psychology of religion or reflections on the fields of church practice like pastoral care and counselling or education/life-long-learning. A special focus is set on the specific challenges arising for theological reflection as well as church-practice from the phenomena of dementia.