When we get older and elderly, our bodies start to wear out, health problems arise, we feel society’s prejudice towards the elderly population and the difficulties of getting our right. For 18 years, the population over 60 years old achieved, through the law, something that gives them rights and duties, the Statute of the Elderly.
Promulgated on October 1, 2003, the law consists of regulating human rights, protection and rights that the elderly can enjoy when they reach the age of 60. At the time, Brazil had 15 million elderly people and that number grew a lot.
The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) pointed out that there are 37.7 million people with +60 in 2021.
Next, we will show the rights that the elderly acquire now.
What this article covers:
Rights of the elderly: what the Statute says
The Statute of the Elderly in Brazil is considered a pioneer by scholars on the elderly population, as it considered, for the first time, discrimination, negligence and violence (physical and moral) to the elderly as a crime and also guaranteed the rest of the Brazilian population the understanding of the seniors.
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In addition, the pioneering spirit became an example for the United Nations (UN), which still does not have an International Declaration on the Right of the Elderly.
The Statute points out that they have free buses, priority service, exclusive vacancies and free medication. Below, we present more details of this important document.
At what age are most of the rights of the elderly applied?
From the age of 60, anyone is considered elderly, therefore, they can receive the rights in the Statute of the Elderly, regardless of which Brazilian municipality they live in. So let’s list some of the important rights.
What are the rights of the elderly?
Check below the rights of the elderly:
Right to priority service
According to the third article of the document, those who are over 60 have priority service, in public or private bodies. The penalty for those who discriminate, prevent or hinder this right can be imprisonment from one to six months in jail or a fine.
health priority
Everyone needs to have the right to health through the Unified Health System, the SUS. Not to mention that it needs to receive special attention for diseases that most affect people in this age group. Ensuring physical, mental and social well-being.
In addition to ensuring free medication, the elderly population needs to have access to treatment, qualification or health rehabilitation.
Alimony
According to article 12 of the Statute of the Elderly, elderly people who prove that they are unable to support themselves can receive alimony from their child. As well as the pension from father to son, the one who is in default can be recluse.
Protection against emotional abandonment
It is when relatives of the elderly person do not perform some care or substitute material comfort. Therefore, failing to visit the elderly in hospitals and nursing homes is a crime.
The penalty is imprisonment from six months to three years and a fine.
public transport for free
The elderly can ride buses, trains and other categories of public transport for free. In addition, means of transport must guarantee a part of their places for the elderly to sit.
Exclusive parking
As with public transport, parking spaces need to prioritize a part for senior drivers. According to the legislation, 5% of spaces in public and private parking must be exclusive to the elderly. Not to mention that they need to be signaled and positioned to ensure greater convenience.
priority in justice
If you are over 60 years old and have a lawsuit, the Court of Justice of your state must give you priority in processing your case. In cases of death, this priority extends to the spouse or partner, over 60 years of age.
If you are elderly and want to know more about your rights, keep following our website.
