Health problems of the elderly are important in Chile. The proportion of elderly subjects will increase in the next few years due to expected demographic changes. Mortality rates for different specific causes in Chile are very high, when compared to those of more developed countries such as Spain. National data show inequities according to socioeconomic status both in the mortality figures and in the access to health services. The new health program from the Ministry of Health for the elderly is presented. This program needs more resources to reach better levels of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention actions. The future health reform, presently under discussion in the National Congress will contribute to reinforce primary health care for the elderly. Medications should be provided with small co-payments, both in the public and the private health systems (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 865-72)