This article describes the ageing process, as well as its definition, demographic data and organization; the elderly care network and the current and future perspectives of its reality in Costa Rica. This is part of a population phenomenon characterized by high life-expectancy of the population group 80 years and older. The article makes an analysis of the Integral Care Network for the Elderly (<span name="style_italic">Red de Atención Integral a la Persona Adulta Mayor</span>), sponsored by the social security system; and suggests actions that must be carried out by other relevant public and private institutions, also taking into account the integrality among them. Finally, the article presents some thoughts about the imminent needs of an increasingly ageing population and suggestions on how to deal with it.), sponsored by the social security system; and suggests actions that must be carried out by other relevant public and private institutions, also taking into account the integrality among them. Finally, the article presents some thoughts about the imminent needs of an increasingly ageing population and suggestions on how to deal with it.

ageing; geriatric medicine; demography; health services; care network