[Changes in the social networks of older adults who are beneficiaries of public housing projects in Chile].
OBJECTIVE
To identify, compare, and analyze the social networks of two groups of poor, older adults in two types of public housing projects in Chile, in terms of the types of relationships and the frequency and purpose of their interactions, before and after moving to their new homes.


METHODS
A descriptive study was conducted of public housing beneficiaries in apartment buildings versus condominiums. The study pool was the group of people assigned to housing in buildings (n = 152) and condominiums (n = 124) from 1998 to 2001. A questionnaire was administered in their homes.


RESULTS
Most study participants indicated that the move to public housing meant leaving their old neighborhood for a new one, a change that, among other consequences, produced changes in their social networks. In general, both groups have similar social networks, with their children being the strongest source of support, both before and after the move. After the move, social interaction generally decreased, except among the adults living in apartment buildings, for whom it increased slightly with family members, and in a superficial manner, with others who had weak connections and were neither friends nor family. Interactions with establishments also decreased, although interactions with senior services increased for the condo residents from 28% to 65% and for apartment residents from 31% to 45%.


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that similar programs strive to preserve and strengthen the social networks in place prior to moving and encourage the formation of relationships in the new residences.
Rioseco
H Reinaldo
HR
Instituto de Geografía, Facultad de Historia, Geografía y Ciencia Política, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. rrioseco@puc.cl
Quezada
V Margarita
VM
Ducci
V María Elena
VM
Torres
H Marisa
HM
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002677:Chile; D006798:Housing; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D011638:Public Housing; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires