[Modern geriatrics and the care for the aged in vienna (author's transl)]

All over the world there is an increase of the aged in this century. In Europe Austria occupies the second place in the percentage of people over 65 years. Therefrom results also an increase of the medical and psychosocial problems of the old age. Three sections of care for old people have developed: the open care at home, the homes for the aged and the institutional care in hospitals and nursing-homes. A new form is the day-hospital. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Finally a survey of the situation in Vienna is given, specially of the Viennese geriatric hospital in Lainz, which is the largest geriatric centre in Austria.