ELDERLY PEOPLE AND THE PRIORITY RIGHT TO HEALTH: NOTES FROM BRAZILIAN LEGISLATION

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the challenges in the implementation of the priority right to health for the elderly population in Brazil, focusing on the current legislation and practical limitations that hinder its application. The methodology used is a bibliographic review, examining legal texts, institutional documents, and academic studies on the topic. The main findings indicate that despite legal guarantees such as the Federal Constitution and the Elderly Statute, factors like the scarcity of financial and human resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness among the elderly about their rights, and disjointed coordination among government levels impede the realization of this right. The research also highlights that limited oversight and insufficient training of healthcare professionals worsen the situation. The study underscores the need for more efficient and transparent management, as well as the dissemination of information on elderly rights, as strategies to strengthen the effectiveness of public health policies targeting this age group.