摘要
aging suffers prejudices against it. even among professionals who practice gerontology. a dangerous and common one is to consider that all the elderly are sick or unable. the relationship doctor-patient is the key stone both for medical practice and ethics. in order to achieve respect for the elderly a wise medicine is necessary, based upon a practice where ethical and clinical reflection may contribute. the latter is possible if the elderlyˋs rights are respected, especially as patients when having to make decisions.