Page - 13 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 3:1

13 | www.limina-graz.eu ̟ The general consensus appears to be that a continuously higher life-expectancy compared to previous generations is a positive and desirable development. However, this raises questions of quantity (lifespan) and quality (subjective experience). “Age” comes with a variety of different associations and expectations. Some people imagine a “typical” old person as someone who is trying to stay young but who can draw on a well of life experiences to guide them- selves and others, making them a “wise person”. Other people see age as a stage of life defined by dementia and loss of memory. ̟ Similarly to the gender-gap, generations often face an economic divide in the form of an age-gap, redefining and imposing an ex- ternal framework on generational relationships. On an individual level, people need to assert and (re)assure themselves. On a societal and institutional level, this requires rethinking and readjustment across the whole of society. ̟ From an economic and socioethical perspective, it has long been evident that the traditional “intergenerational contract” relying on pensions being paid for by insurance contributions of the younger generation is not sustainable long-term. This raises the question how the economic relationship and mutual responsibility between generations can be redefined. ̟ Beyond mutual responsibility and economic aspects, intergener- ational relationships are also shaped by traditions, attitudes and narratives that are passed on from generation to generation. The notion of tradition needs to be investigated through the lens of the present. ̟ Religion also plays an important role in the relationship between generations. Research is required to examine how specific religious beliefs may differ between generations and how these differences are related to each other. Also often under-researched is how in- dividual concepts of God change throughout a person’s lifetime. Additionally, multireligious societies face yet again a different set of challenges resulting from vastly different concepts of intergen- erational relationships embedded in their respective religions. ̟ Finally, the finiteness and fragility of human life links to the issue of dignity in different stages of life. Especially within the medical sector, there is disagreement on what preserving human dignity throughout life means in today’s world. LIMINA 3:1 | Clash of generations? | Editorial