[From one generation to another, the threats of the disintegration of social ties].

In our modern societies, social ties are reflected in three forms of social relationships which merge with each other: social norms, local social networks and relationships within families. In times of abundance these three forms tend to lead to the same ethical attitude towards elderly and dependent people. Each agrees on the importance of providing a level of care which guarantees elderly people a state of well-being which we would all like to enjoy ourselves. In times of crisis however these three forms tend to fall out of synch with each other as the expectations of one can contradict those of another. What are the risks of such a de-synchronisation in the support given to elderly people?