Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating fluorescent lamps (1, 16, 25, 36, 47, 52, 53, 74, 82), in particular for prolonging the service life of fluorescent lamps, wherein the load of at least parts of at least one electrode device (2, 3, 17, 18, 32, 33, 37, 38, 48, 49, 71, 72, 75, 90) of at least one fluorescent lamp is reduced by applying an electrical current, in particular a heating current (I), by means of a reduction in the load over time, and/or a reduction in the electrical power.