[Adaptation problems in old age]

The authors summarize available literature concerned with some problems of aging and old age. Attention is devoted in particular to factors which have an adverse impact on this process such as loss of the partner, retirement, disintegration of the home, reduced activity, etc. Some typical diseases of old age are mentioned. The authors emphasize that it is not enough to ensure economic and biological needs. Attention is paid in particular to problems of psychosocial adaptation of old people when going to a different, though sometimes more secure environment. Adaptation responses in the mental sphere may be sometimes very serious and may have tragic consequences for old people. As in contemporary society change of environment on social and health grounds is relatively frequently necessary, the authors summarize the literature on this problem and give an account of views how to prevent sequelae of impaired adaptation or how to mitigate them.