In this article, the roles of the family and the neighborhood on the health of Mexican American older people of the Hispanic EPESE (Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly) are discussed. The epidemiologic paradox consists on, in despite of socioeconomic disadvantage; Hispanic older people have a relatively low mortality than white older people. This is especially true when the older people live in neighborhoods with high percentages of Mexican Americans. The family has also an important role in these older people for decreasing the risk of institutionalization or morbidity. On the other hand, stress from economic problems or family dependency among older Mexican immigrants can overcome capacity for coping stress, this may affect the health of Mexican American older people.