Author: Prof. Nicu Gavriluță (Faculty of Philosophy, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași)
Keywords: old age, new technologies. trans-humanism, piracy against the human being, mythologies, Christianity, Jesus Christ
Abstract:
The national and international prognoses present an imminent aging of the population and an increased number of old-aged women all over the world, excepting Africa. Among others, this is the result of the decreasing fertility rate and increasing life expectancy of the Western world, a consequence of the development of new technologies and the improving living standard. A long and good life is not possible without a genuine religious life and a genuine culture, otherwise old age becomes an unendurable burden. The present study offers a general image and the best-known images of old age according to the various cultures and religions of the world, with an emphasis on Christianity. Nowadays, these images and representations of old age have remained a part of our oneiric universe, of our imagination, fantasy, and collective unconsciousness. But they can be extracted from there and made a part of our daily life. Perhaps they can also be used in therapy with old people who are sensitive to the mythological ideas and religious life of the various cultures in the world. This cultural element, joined by a genuine Christian life, is becoming increasingly important in the life of our fellow men honoured by the special aura of old age, given the provocations brought by the new technologies.
Pages: 25-31