[The role of the physician in the preparation of adults for old age].

Loss of his social role and various other stresses result in a psychological feeling of impotence and nothingness in the aged. Physicians should make a close study of these aspects and not identify the aged with the end of finality and segregation. Adaptation to old age is determined by the years preceding it and doctors should help adults to improve the quality of their lives and no "die" in a metaphorical sense. This is not something that can be improvised, however. Adults must not only face up to problems concerning their health, but also those relating to aging and the attainment of a satisfactory life-style during their years of retirement. A doctor can do great deal to enable adults to discover new abilities to adapt for themselves.