Health Status of Hispanic Elderly

Citation: Markides, et al. (1997) Health Status of Hispanic Elderly.
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Tagged: uw-madison (RSS), wisconsin (RSS), sociology (RSS), demography (RSS), prelim (RSS), qual (RSS), WisconsinDemographyPrelimAugust2009 (RSS)

Summary

Hispanics are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the U.S. Also, Hispanics comprise an increasing share of the elderly population aged 65 and over-3.7% in 1990, but about 15.5% by the year 2050. The largest share of the Hispanic population (61%) is of Mexican origin and is concentrated in the southwestern U.S. Other large groups are Puerto Ricans (12%), who live in Puerto Rico (imagine!) and New York City, and Cubans (5%) who are concentrated in south Florida. Generally speaking, Hispanics are a youthful population (only 5% are 65 or older), but a larger share of Cuban Americans are elderly (17%). Because of the rapid growth of the Hispanic elderly population, it is important to understand their health profiles relative to the general population in order to determine their particular needs. Somewhat surprisingly, despite their disadvantaged economic status, Hispanics generally have favorable rates of mortality relative to both Anglos and blacks. "For the period 1989-1991, Hispanics in the age group 65 to 74 experienced 1,975 deaths per 100,000 population. In comparison, non-Hispanic whites had a death rate of 2,575 and blacks a death rate of 3,735. The Hispanic advantage held for deaths due to heart disease, cancer, stroke and all other causes combined. . . As might be expected, when adjustments for income were introduced, the relative Hispanic advantage was even greater for all causes of death for men of all ages and women younger than 65" (pp. 286-287). A possible explanation for lower mortality rates among Hispanics is that they generally have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer-the two leading causes of death in the U.S.-than non-Hispanic whites. However, Hispanics do not enjoy health advantages in every area. Mortality from diabetes is about two times greater among Hispanics than non-Hispanic whites, and the prevalence of diabetes is two to five times greater among Mexican Americans than the general population. (It is important to note that diabetes is not higher among Cubans, however). Hispanics also die at a greater rate from liver disease/cirrhosis of the liver. Also, Hispanics are more likely to be obese and to experience upper-body obesity, which is the more dangerous form. Finally, data suggest that functional mobility is slightly worse among Hispanic elderly than among whites (19% versus 15% report needing assistance with daily activities), but somewhat better than among blacks (23% report needing help). Two possible reasons for the favorable mortality profile of Hispanics could be (1) protective cultural factors and (2) selective immigration. As Hispanics become acculturated to U.S. culture, therefore, these protective effects may diminish. Indeed, acculturation has been associated with increased risk profiles for chronic disease (e.g., smoking and hypertension). Also, no consistent differences in health have been found between foreign-born and native-born Mexican American elderly, both of which have been in the U.S. for a considerable length of time, suggesting that the healthy migrant advantage may erode with time.