Aktualne/zapomniane tematy gerontologii – mądrość ludzi starszych i jej rola w życiu ludzi młodych

Wisdom is one of the many human qualities, oft en tied to the old age. Th ere are various theoretical concepts of wisdom, however, its integrative nature is refl ected by: cognitive, aff ective and motivational, as well as social components. Wisdom of the elderly, in a particular way, is associated with practical intelligence. Th e paper presents the results of research on the suggestions, pieces of advice given by older people about the phenomena determining a good, fulfi lling aging, because the respondents found their own aging as such. Wisdom of the elderly is a great capital, which today is not fully utilized. It turns out that the practical knowledge of seniors confi rms theoretical assumptions concerning the measures of preventive gerontology, which is intended to prevent, or minimize, pathological aging and trigger activity, independence, social affi liation, improve the seniors’ quality of life both in the individual and social dimensions. Knowledge and wisdom of older people can help young people to cope with the challenges of adult life, and particularly with the old age that is still to come.