[Medical problems in the care of the elderly]

The number of long-lived persons is increasing dramatically. They have a high need for medical help and make high demands on their doctors, especially because of their extreme physical, psychological and social multimorbidity. It is difficult but important to assess the vital energy and the life expectancy of these persons living near death. The spectrum of vitality ranges from admirably well-preserved persons without any need of help to bedridden sick people wasting away. In this paper, there are discussed specific findings and opportunities of intervention, in particular the problems of admission to hospital and life-lengthening measures.