Vulnerabilities of the Socio-Medical Legal Framework for the Elderly

The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze how the legal vulnerability of socio-medical system produces and supports other vulnerabilities among the elderly. Examining the issues related to the legislative system, the study highlights the impact of public policies on the welfare of the elderly population in Romania, particularly in relation to the access to health services. The study materials consist of statistical data, national and European papers on medico-social protection of the elderly, laws, decrees, ordinances, governmental decisions, orders of the line ministries -of health, of labour, family and social protection, of economy, of national defence, of the administration and internal affaires, of public finances –that refer to the old people in relation to the access to health and social services. Significant attention has been paid to the principles that guide the two fields of interest and also to the positive exceptions of the social and health insurance. The percentage of the elderly within the population represents, for political authors, an opportunity to vote, but also a matter of social and health protection related to economic and financial dimensions. The conclusion of this research highlights a socio - medical framework that brings along a feeling of vulnerability by its instability, complexity and diffusion. The analysis increases the awareness and understanding of the role of older adults in the policy making process, outlining at the same time, new dimensions that will become topics for a future research.

Keywords: legal vulnerability, medical system, social system, principles of the access to services, the elderly