<p>In view of the rapidly growing number of older and very old people, geriatric rehabilitation is becoming increasingly more important. The aim is not primarily to cure illnesses but more to maintain or restore functional abilities in order to ensure participation, autonomy and quality of life. The article conveys the concepts of geriatric rehabilitation, including the approach based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), participatory goal definition and basic geriatric rehabilitation management. Access routes and access prerequisites in accordance with the German Social Security Statutes V (SGB V) are presented and the differences between the four forms of care, inpatient, outpatient, mobile and early rehabilitation, are clarified. Particular attention is paid to individualized goal planning and the selection of suitable rehabilitation strategies (restitution, compensation, adaptation). Finally, challenges and future prospects are discussed.</p>