Human rights, aging, and health: contributions to practice

Introduction: Population aging in Brazil and worldwide poses complex challenges to healthcare practices, requiring the incorporation of human rights as a structuring axis of public policies and clinical care. In this context, healthcare professionals need to reflect on how to ensure autonomy, dignity, and equity for older adults, recognizing their biopsychosocial needs and respecting their citizenship. Objective: reflect on the practice of health care in relation to Human Rights, Aging and Health. Method: This narrative reflection, based on recent scientific literature, seeks to integrate theoretical and practical perspectives related to these three fundamental axes. The analysis focuses on national and international publications that discuss active aging, health promotion, social inclusion, and the defense of the rights of older adults. Results: The results demonstrate that healthcare for older adults must overcome fragmented approaches, valuing comprehensive care and intersectoral coordination between health, social assistance, education, and culture. Respect for human rights emerges as an indispensable condition for promoting healthy aging, as it ensures equitable access to services, prevents neglect and violence, and strengthens the autonomy of older adults. The reflection also highlights the need for ongoing professional training in geriatrics, gerontology, and ethics to ensure healthcare workers are prepared to face the challenges of an aging population. Conclusions: It is concluded that assistance practice guided by Human Rights represents a path towards more inclusive, supportive and fair societies.