The right to grow old in good health

Abstract

The life span of humankind has lengthened in years and aging modifies the structure of the world's population. This leads to an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities, which demands more healthcare actions. Oral health is related to general health; poor oral hygiene increases the risk of dental diseases and systemic infections. In Argentina, in 2017, National Law 27.360 was approved, which ratifies the Protection of the Human Rights of the Elderly. In Córdoba, the Secretariat of Policies for the Elderly of the Ministry of Development supports it with the Plan Córdoba Mayor, which guarantees a comprehensive response The Provincial Institute of Dentistry of the Ministry of Health together with the Ministry of Development of Córdoba carry out the program Los mayores Sonríen which guarantees the right to oral health and promotion of healthy eating habits for the elderly. Since 2023, the School of Dentistry has been developing the project Learning to Age Healthily together with the Plan Córdoba Mayor. This is implemented in Comprehensive Centers where socially vulnerable people over 60 years of age attend. There they participate in socio-educational activities and receive food provision (milk and lunch). In this way we can contribute to improve the quality of life of the elderly in Córdoba, through promotion, prevention and health recovery actions.