[Intervention methods in the practice of gerontology; the Geneva experience]

The definition of intervention: modifying the course of events - can be both a challenge or an invitation to criticism. The real question in geriatrics is what should be done - not what can be done. In our article we have tried to describe our geriatric action in Geneva. Multidisciplinary services, an attempt at integrated psychiatry, the geriatric hospital and day hospital are described. The new programs include patient discussion groups, instructions for medical students, for doctors, staff, volunteers, and a nurses dossier. Most important is the intervention of the aged subject himself - the help the young aged can give to the old aged with proper training and direction.