[Problemss of tending to chronicity of diseases in geriatrics (author's transl)]

The most important alterations of the old age are mentioned. They have a great influence on the behaviour of the elderly in a hospital. Charactersitic behaviour patterns at admission, during hospitalization and at dismission are pointed out. Multimorbidity should not cause a thoughtless and highly technical work-up. Rehabilitation measures in order to keep the patient in bed as short as possible are important. For this reason the nursing staff should have a good knowledge of activating care. Pharmacogherapy, intensive care, preoperative and postoperative care are mentioned.