Geographic separation and patterns of social interaction between residents of senior citizen apartment buildings and their

Abstract

In this study, research questions are formulated to investigate the determinants and consequences of the physical distances separating residents of governmentassisted senior citizen apartment (SCA) projects and their adult children. Interview survey data were obtained from residents (n = 97) of three SCAS in suburban Winnipeg, Canada, and geographically matching baseline samples of community residents (n = 105). The analysis involves the use of bivariate statistical inferential tests and multiple regression frameworks. The results disclose that (1) greater parent-child separation distances are registered by SCA residents compared to the community elderly; (2) distance of the most recent residential move is the most significant predictor of the intergenerational separation distances recorded by SCA residents; (3) spatial proximity is the most significant predictor of social interaction between SCA residents and their children. It is concluded that the results have important implications for (1) developmental models of elderly migration and (2) policies governing the provision of seniors housing. ©/1998 Canadian Association of Geographers /.