Seniors´ perception of their own dignity

Qualitative research based on a half standardized interview with seniors is aimed at identifying the seniors´ perception of the dignity concerning dignity of merit, moral strength and personal identity, and the related values of every human being, also known as Menschenwürde {--} human dignity. The results show the risk of loss or reduction of dignity in old age. The reasons are external and internal. External reasons include the approach of society and individuals to the elderly, (un) availability of social services for seniors and their families and also the social system. Internal reasons involve the change of the inner self, reduction of self-sufficiency, financial provision, degree of independence, evaluation of the past life, the age and gender. In the highest risk of loss of dignity are the very old, individuals dependent on the care of others and women. The research makes us think about creating decent living conditions for the elderly. The issues of supportive background creation and available home care services for the elderly and possibilities of a better support for families caring for dependent and dying elderly persons are also addressed. On an individual level it is necessary to instruct people, who come into contact with the elderly, with risk factors that may decrease dignity of the elderly and to gain skills for assistance to enhance seniors´ dignity by an appropriate and sensible approach. Perception of dignity changes with a social system. Dignity is an important component of the quality of life perception. Attention must be paid to this issue also in the future. With prolonged longevity of an individual and an active participation in community life up to the old age it should be reconsidered since what age an individual is regarded as old. For example, according to the WHO the early old age starts at 60 years of age. This is what young seniors perceive negatively. They do not consider themselves old even when they are 65 years old