The rapid aging process worldwide requires new policies and programs for the elderly, we therefore need an understanding of its characteristics in the different contexts of Brazil. Objective: this research aimed to characterize the health conditions investigated in a project on the profile of the elderly in Florianópolis.
Method: the research included elderly people aged 60 and above for a total of 875 subjects selected to give a probabilistic sample adopting a selection technique stratified by censor section and gender. The instrument applied was composed of: general information; health conditions; and the use of the health services; from the questionnaire Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS).
Results: showed that men are predominantly married (83.5%) and women windows (47.5%). with men living mainly with a spouse and women with children. The elderly of both genders have a positive perception regarding their state of health. Among the illnesses mentioned, cardiovascular illnesses are prevalent. In cases of health problems, 45.8% of the elderly turn to public and free (SUS) institutions and 43.5% use health plans. The main difficulties, which elderly people experience when in need of doctors, are financial problems followed by transport and access. The greatest dissatisfaction manifested in relation to the health services is the ‘the long wait for appointments’.
Conclusions: there is a need for greater investment in the area of health and training of human resources for those who work in the health services to facilitate access to adequate health care for elderly people in the municipality of Florianópolis.

Keywords: 1. Aging;
2. Health conditions;
3. Health services.