[The institutionalization of the elders in Argentina. Imaginary and realities].

The institutionalization is an alternative to the social and health policy to gather for vulnerable frail elderly needs. Despite the low numbers of old people in nursing homes, long term care is associated by the public and, in particular, by old people as a common solution to the latter's special needs of care. This article examines the proposals of international organisations regarding old people's care. Then, from the analysis of the Survey Health, Wellbeing and Ageing in Latin America and Caribbean (SABE), carried out in Buenos Aires in 2001 the views of elderly about nursing homes are examined. Finally, using data gathered by the National Census of Population and Housing (2001), we compare and contrast some key socio-demographic characteristics and living conditions of old people who live in households, those who live in the streets, and those who live in nursing homes.