The right to health in old age: Israeli professionals' and older persons' perspectives

Objectives: To develop a better understanding of the right to health in old age through the personal knowledge and experience of older persons and professionals in Israel. Methods: A qualitative research method was adopted based on focus groups. Information was collected through four focus groups with 33 participants. Results: Three main themes emerged: The first focused on the older persons' self-positioning vis-à-vis the health-care system. The second illustrated the verbal means chosen by the participants to situate the health-care system itself. The third elaborated on the institutional and cultural processes involved in upholding health rights in old age. Discussion: Future discussions regarding conceptualization of the right to health in old age should relate to its human aspects, that is, communication and interaction, and the older person's knowledge, participation, and involvement in shaping the medical services that they receive.