[Future research perspectives of a psychoanalytical gerontopsychophysiology--personality and the aging process]

Abstract

Based on the irreversibility of physiological development during the aging process, a concept of permanent personality development throughout life is presented, which is at no time completed. Based on clinical experience, questions are induced for future research in the field of gerontopsychosomatics, which take into consideration the possibility of a revival of previously existing neurotic conflicts as well as possible new functional and psychosomatic symptoms understandable because of the actuating situation in old age. The question is raised whether such newly acquired psychosomatic symptoms must be considered as a multimorbidity aspect in older people and thus not accessible to adequate therapy. Finally, the concept "personality plasticity" and "life-long personality development" are related to one another. Gerontological research has emphasized time and again that in older and aged persons competences persist. It is the objective of the present paper to present a perspective, supported by empirical studies, to those who may be unduly impaired for a time in their potential by symptoms or conflicts.