Evaluation of the older adults' quality of life in the city of Valparaiso

Chile is among the countries of Latin America that have seen accelerated and intense demographic transitions of aging and urbanization in the last decades. This paper presents the main findings of the research "Quality of Life of older adults in the urban habitat: the case study of Valparaiso" (Fondecyt 106117), conducted in Valparaiso (Chile) between 2006 and 2009, and its successive actualizations (2011-2013). Based on empirical evidence obtained by combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the paper analyses how certain conditions of the urban habitat impact upon the quality of life of the older age group. Given to the Valparaiso's elevated aging index, its social structure, unique topography and architectural configuration, the city is a case study of special interest.