Doctor-patient relationship: elderly's rights

Abstract

Aging suffers prejudices against it. Even among professionals who practice gerontology. A dangerous and common one is to consider that all the elderly are sick or unable.
The relationship doctor-patient is the key stone both for medical practice and ethics. In order to achieve respect for the elderly a wise medicine is necessary, based upon a practice where ethical and clinical reflection may contribute. The latter is possible if the elderly's rights are respected, especially as patients when having to make decisions.