[Aging with dependence: family needs and responsibilities]

This article highlights the phenomenon of "aging with dependence" as a challenge to be dealt with by the field of collective health and discusses responsibilities for providing health care to this population contingent, comparing the necessary and existing conditions for families to assume responsibility for such care. The analysis is based on authors and theoretical references involving studies on aging, dependence, public policies, and available community resources for health care for the elderly. The following themes are emphasized: dependence and aging, the economic issue of dependence, family care, and family needs. The article concludes that since dependence is a dynamic process, it should be approached through programs that range from health promotion strategies to the establishment of support networks for long-term care in the community. These programs should be part of a public policy that involves all sectors of society and that can provide back-up for dependent seniors, with or without family support.