Agência Brasil

Brasília - In an interview with the Voice of Brazil, the president of the National Council for the Rights of the Elderly, Perly Cipriano, said that the Senior Citizens' Statute has improved the lives of more than 16 million Brazilians, even though the rules have still not been completely integrated into the daily routines of people who have entered this age bracket.

"Brazil is undergoing a rapid aging process, as it is with urbanization. The Statute is very helpful to the elderly. Nevertheless, the support of society is still necessary in this process of integration," he affirmed.

Cipriano underscored advances observed since the Statute was ratified on October 1, 2003. "We have Councils of the Elderly in nearly all the states. The National Health Surveillance Agency, the Public Defense Ministry, and the Brazilian Bar Association monitor and punish mistreatment, abandonment, and discrimination against the elderly."

The Senior Citizens' Statute established penalties for those who disrespect the rights of people over the age of 60, such as failing to give preferential attention in the Federal Health System (SUS), free access to mass transportaiton, and a 50% discount for activities in the areas of culture, sports, and leisure.

Translation: David Silberstein