Currently, the possibilities and limitations of gene technology and genetic testing as well as ethical and legal issues associated with the further advancement and medical application of molecular genetics are controversely discussed in the public. In 2001, we explored the attitudes of the German population towards genetic testing by conducting a survey study with a stratified sample of the population (N = 2.076). Subjects were administered a self-report questionnaire which consisted of 12 statements related to approval, disapproval, and concern for genetic testing. In this paper, we focus on the attitudes of elderly persons aged 60 and older (N = 602). The results show that elderly persons perceive less benefit and are less favourable towards genetic testing than younger respondents. However, elderly persons also are less worried about possible disadvantages of genetic testing, for instance the misuse of test results. Taken together, study results corroborate trends reported in the international literature.