A dualidade na inser？？o política, social e familiar do idoso: estudo comparado dos casos de Brasil, Espanha e Estados Unidos

abstract: the paper presents a comparative study of social, political, economical, and health situation of aged population of brazil, spain, and united states. a discussion was made about changing process in age structure base don literature of the three countries. data analysis confirmed improvements in aged people life conditions, and changing on social insertion and political and moral attitudes. data indicated also that there are no similarities or differences among the countries which can be attributed to economic conditions, nor to cultural traditions. the duality expresses a transition in this segment, traditionally viewed in a negative way and, nowadays, also considered as economic and familiar support. the perspectives are that the aged people positive social role will be emphasized by naturalization of aging and by establishing de analytic references on aging itself.