The elderly Chicano comprise a population that is distinct in historical background, socialization patterns, coping mechanisms, and patterns of participation in community affairs. These distinctive characteristics have often been overlooked by community planners who know little about elderly Chicanos and assume that all their needs can be met by their families. Several strategies are proposed for the development of participatory processes and systems that take into account the reality of daily life in the barrio. Statistical data should be enriched by qualitative information for decision-making purposes: the calm rationality of one set of people discussing the problems of others should be balanced by the fire of people describing their own experiences.
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