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The health of older Mexican Americans in the long run

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  • González, H.M.
  • Ceballos, M.
  • Tarraf, W.
  • West, B.T.
  • Bowen, M.E.
  • Vega, W.A.

Abstract

Objectives. We compared risk for several medical illnesses between immigrant and US-born older Mexican Americans to determine the relationship between functional health and years of US residency among immigrants. Methods. Cross-sectional, multistage probability sample data for 3050 Mexican Americans aged 65 years or older from 5 US southwestern states were analyzed. Self-rated health, medical illnesses, and functional measures were examined in multivariate regression models that included nativity and years of US residency as key predictors. Results. Self-rated health and medical illnesses of immigrant and US-born groups did not differ significantly. Immigrants with longer US residency had significantly higher cognitive functioning scores and fewer problems with functional activities after adjustment for predisposing and medical need factors. Conclusions. Among older Mexican Americans, immigrant health advantages over their US-born counterparts were not apparent. Immigrants had better health functioning with longer US residency that may derive from greater socioeconomic resources. Our findings suggest that the negative acculturation-health relationship found among younger immigrant adults may become a positive relationship in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • González, H.M. & Ceballos, M. & Tarraf, W. & West, B.T. & Bowen, M.E. & Vega, W.A., 2009. "The health of older Mexican Americans in the long run," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(10), pages 1879-1885.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2008.133744_5
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.133744
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    Cited by:

    1. Esme Fuller Thomson & Amani Nuru-Jeter & Dawn Richardson & Ferrah Raza & Meredith Minkler, 2013. "The Hispanic Paradox and Older Adults’ Disabilities: Is There a Healthy Migrant Effect?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-29, May.
    2. Hill, Terrence D. & Angel, Jacqueline L. & Balistreri, Kelly S. & Herrera, Angelica P., 2012. "Immigrant status and cognitive functioning in late-life: An examination of gender variations in the healthy immigrant effect," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(12), pages 2076-2084.

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