Bioethical aspects of the autonomy of the elderly

Abstract

This study was performed through a review of literature and it aims to describe bioethical issues involved in the autonomy of the elderly. This bibliographical survey was carried out through the recorded production of the following databases:  Ibecs, Lilacs, Medline, Cochrane Library, and SciELO; besides of books that focus on the topic. This reflection is considered significant because the number of elderly has grown rapidly in recent years and studies have shown that this increase is concomitantly associated with a lack of respect for this population’s autonomy. It can be concluded that such principle should be founded on bioethical attitudes and respect for the elderly as autonomous people. It is therefore suggested that further studies should broaden the discussion about this subject, in order to guarantee a better quality of life for the elderly in a rapidly aging society.