[Trends in modern international gerontological research. Sociological aspects].

Some new trends of the following theoretical models of the sociology of aging are discussed: 1. Models of life cycle which allow a clearer differentiation between the age groupings. 2. The logic of the scientific analysis and the lack of further analysis of the specific sociological content of the disengagement theory. 3. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of roles in the old age and age cohorts. 4. The significance of exchange-theory to analyse the special social situation of the elderly. 5. New results discussing the situation of the elderly as a minority group or subculture. 6. Organisational analysis of the welfare programs of the elderly.