Introduction:

Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, regions have promoted the protection of human rights, especially of vulnerable groups such as the older people, however, there are threats in the fulfillment of their protection.

Objective:

To describe the perception and difficulties in the practice, the older people rights enrolled in a day care center in Bucaramanga, Santander-Colombia.

Methodology:

Descriptive cross-sectional study with an intentional sample of 50 older people who accomplished the inclusion criteria. The selected instrument was the "State Survey of Perceptions, Mastery, Exercise and Difficulties in Practice", which evaluates human rights in old age.

Results:

66% (n = 30) were women, with an average age of 70.3 years, the preeminent level of schooling was elementary school with 64% (n = 32). The human rights with a positive perception ranged between 56% and 66%, represented by the right to health, living without violence and social assistance. On the other hand, those perceived with difficulties are the rights to social participation, communication and education, between 20% and 22%.

Discussion:

The right to health is perceived positively, due to appropriate medical care and adherence to treatment. However, instrumental difficulties are expressed, reflecting situations of vulnerability.

Conclusions:

The perception of human rights in the older people is based on general ignorance, facilitating their social vulnerability.

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