The current study was conducted in a community in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, where a Family Health Program has been implemented. The study focused on the actions developed by the family health team in the Canal do Anil community with senior citizens enrolled in the program, with the following objectives: distinguish between the actions implemented by the team and those recommended by the Ministry of Health; analyze whether these actions contribute to improved quality of life for the elderly; and identify how the team values this age group. Methodology: this was a qualitative study, utilizing participatory observation and a semi-structured interview for the data collection. As results, we observed that the actions implemented by the multi-professional team contributed to the senior citizens' quality of life by means of concern for their medication, improved overall health status, nutrition, and socialization. The study's evidence further demonstrates the need to be alert to issues of aging in order to promote the proper care to meet this group's real needs and foster knowledge to eradicate persistent prejudices towards the elderly.
Family Health Program; elderly; health policies