[Autogenic training in gerontology]

Autogenic Training (AT) is the most common method of psychotherapy in use today. It is however rarely used with older people who are generally considered less responsive to this method. In this analysis we consider whether or not this scepticism is justified. Our control group consisted of 58 subjects who learnt AT in 7 one-and-a-half-hour sessions. The age of the subjects of two groups was between 18 and 54 years ("younger group") and that of the other two groups between 58 and 80 years ("older group"). 77% of all the subjects were able to get a sufficient grasp of AT over this period. There were no statistically significant differences between young and old in the level of success attained in the individual exercises. It can be proved that the more elderly are more strongly motivated to learn AT and to integrate it into their daily lives. The group situation also meets the greater need of the elderly for contact and mutual support. The results of this small random test should show the way ahead for future investigations necessary in this area.