[Psychological aspects of professional work at old age (author's transl)]

Already in early gero-hygienic studies the social influenceability of psychic health was to be discovered as conceptual conclusion. Investigations on old-age people also confirm the far-reaching dependence of psycho-physical health of old age on social factors of influence. Favourable living conditions result in satisfaction, whereas hospitalization, segregation and qualifications deficiencies promote psychic disorders. Longitudinal section studies likewise revealed the effects of the socio-economic psychic disorders. Longitudinal section studies likewise revealed the effects of the socio-economic status on activity and educational ambitions. Analogous results are shown by recent gerohygienic research work. Destitution and infirmity in old-age correlate strongly with a low socio-economic status. Social activities and creative spare-time activities are to be found more frequently with residents of homes. Physical and psychic stresses of medium level at work have a more favourable effect on the degree of needing care at old age than overstrain or understrain. Low qualification also reduces the desire to continue work after having reached the retirement age limit. Consequences from the knowledge gained must be utilized for an aimed preparation of working pre-pensioners with poor qualification for an active old age. Scientific labour organisation at the factory also for the elder worker as well as strengthening the integration of the ageing citizen in the socialist society are additional means for maintaining the psychic health up to highest age.