The authors single out the following principles as being especially important for the long-term preparations for an active old age: --Given our social conditions, the early and long-term preparation of young people for old age is a task facing the whole of society and one that can only be accomplished through an interdisciplinary approach. --Necessary changes in the attitude of young people towards old age and of older people towards the young can only be achieved through close contacts between young and old people. --In contacts between young and old people the emphasis should not be on help and care, but on mutual understanding and respect and the promotion of self-confidence. --In organizing their living and working conditions young and old people must cooperate in order to stimulate activity-promoting behavior at every stage of life.