“A fulfilled life despite restrictions” >>> The contribution of Anthroposophic Medicine to older age healthcare

Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, 29 March 2026

Dealing with the health challenges of elderly people requires something other than a deficit-oriented view of ageing. Christian Schikarski, an internist with additional qualifications in anthroposophic medicine and experience in geriatrics, heads the Care Group ‘Old Age Culture and Geriatric Medicine’ in the Medical Section at the Goetheanum, a group that is committed to exploring, promoting and publishing perspectives on the spiritual and mental development of even the very elderly.

“Today‘s view of older people is often deficit-oriented,” says Christian Schikarski. “It is true that, as we age, we grow increasingly aware of our ageing bodies due to pain, ailments, intolerances, perceptual difficulties and stiffness.” Added to this is the fear of losing autonomy and becoming dependent on others. But, Christian Schikarski suggests, we can also take a resource-oriented view.

The anthroposophic approach to geriatric medicine recognizes and promotes the potential of older people and their mental and spiritual development, “with a positive influence on their social environment.” Without glossing over infirmities, Christian Schikarski describes what he has observed in his internal medicine practice: “It is possible to lead a fulfilling life despite restrictions.” In his view, wresting intensive inner growth from receding life forces is a new art of living and it is important to be patient with oneself and others, to gain insight into one’s given situation and think positively about all the things that are still possible. Dealing with limitations is also something that needs to be learned, because our life horizon becomes narrower over time and we have more frequent experiences of loss. Overcoming outdated self-images and the fading significance of social activities are also part of the overall experience as is the gradual letting go of feeling responsible for the world.

Older age can also bring back memories that one has not been conscious of for some time, such as disappointments and feelings of hurt. Christian Schikarski points out that these feelings can be retraumatizing if one is not prepared for them. Experience shows that death can be more easily accepted when aspects that needed clarification can be discussed and resolved, when one can accept that “things were good the way they were and that it is ok to let go.” Christian Schikarski therefore recommends dealing with childhood and youth memories in advance, thinking about life in old age and clarifying who can contribute what in such situations in one’s own environment.

(2563 characters, 397 words/Sebastian Jüngel; English by Margot M. Saar)

Web Older Age Medicine

Contact person Christian Schikarski