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Medieval physical mobility is a field of research of persistent relevance. The sources, however, often lack information allowing to approach questions related to day-to-day exchanges among social groups not belonging to the ruling elites and the high clergy. The Paston-letters represent the most extensive medieval collection of English private letters comprising over one thousand epistles written by the Norfolk family Paston and their environment. They contain a wealth of information related to everyday mobility. In just two generations, the Pastons had risen from small landowners to one of the most influential families in East Anglia. The administration of the family's increasingly disparate country estates in Norfolk required regular presence in different locations. In addition to the duties in Norfolk, the Pastons had obligations in London and to the Duke of Norfolk, which involved increasing mobility from the family. During the absence of their husbands or sons, the Paston women took over the administrative tasks arising on the estates. This mobility and the resulting spatial distance between the individual family members resulted in a lively correspondence that still bears witness to the family'smobility and that of their close surroundings. This study is the first to use the Paston- letters to survey the various facets of this mobility related to the English gentry and to assess the role and significance of these exchanges within this social group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes existing research on gerontology, and explores the role of pastoral care. When focusing on gerontology from a pastoral care point of view, certain multiprofessional aspects need to be considered. The article aims to highlight insights on the subject from the field of sociology, and to enable pastors to engage meaningfully with elderly persons. Reflection on the changing social environment emphasises the difficulties that retirement and the resulting loss of authenticity pose to the older person. The article considers how pastoral care as part of a multidisciplinary team could fulfil a positive role in gerontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]