Background: The aging speed in developing countries has been faster than predicted. Thus, health care systems must adapt to face this new scenario efficiently. The WHO designed the INTRA study to assess health promotion and protection actions in primary care, for people over 50 years of age. Material and methods: Questionnaries designed by WHO were applied to 1,167 subjects (aged 50-94 years, 68% female) and 117 health care professionals attending and working respectively, at 33 health care centers of the Viña-Quillota Health Service. Results: Twenty percent of subjects were illiterate and 25% had less than 6 years of instruction. Forty three percent could reache the health centre by public transportation and 92% did not need to be accompanied, 39% spended more than one hour to be attended and 71% considered that the service in the centre was good. Sixty seven percent attended regular appointments, 63% did not perform any physical activity and only half of them were advised to start such activity. Weight loss was recommended to 55% but only one third has achieved such goal. Only one third of patients admitted being interrogated about their drinking habits. Among subjects in whom blood pressure was measured, one fourth had abnormal values. Conclusions: Primary health care in Chile, although having health care programs for the elderly, is loosing opportunities to improve health status and quality of life of this age group (Rev Méd Chile 2005; 133: 331-7)