Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie
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In this article, the concept of dignity deriving from the German constitution is questioned in its ambiguity. An idea of human dignity solely aiming on self determination is challenged. There is an ambivalence containing an obligation to endeavour a person's dignity in situations, where it only remains in the "autonomy of the moment", referring to dignified determining factors, appreciation in interaction and the acceptance of dependency. To maintain solidarity by accentuating and habituating this concept of dignity, is one of the main cultural challenges in a society subject to demographic and social changes.