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Evolution of public policies for the health of the elderly within the Brazilian Unified Health System

Abstract

The article approaches the trajectory of the development of public health policy aimed at the elderly, from the implementation of SUS to the present day, compared with the evolution of the elderly health indicators proposed in the Pact for Health and in the Organizational Contract of the Public Health Action. Brazil has both general and specific policies for the health of the elderly, in which social commitments are signed and guidelines, indicators and goals are defined. From 2007 to 2012 there was a specific indicator related to the health of the elderly, but the goal was never achieved. Since then, there are no more specific indicators for this population. A specific indicator aimed at monitoring this clientele would reveal the importance that needs to be given to eldely care. It is important to highlight that, without intersectoral actions comprising services of different technological densities and with full integration with formal and informal social support networks, it will not be possible to meet the challenge posed by the demographic transition.

Keywords:
health of the elderly; public policy; health status indicators

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