OBJECTIVE: This study examines the potential effects of nativity and acculturation on active life expectancy (ALE) among Mexican-origin elders. METHOD: We employ 17 years of data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly to calculate ALE at age 65 with and without disabilities. RESULTS: Native-born males and foreign-born females spend a larger fraction of their elderly years with activities of daily living (ADL) disability. Conversely, both foreign-born males and females spend a larger fraction of their remaining years with instrumental activities of daily life (IADL) disability than the native-born. In descriptive analysis, women with low acculturation report higher ADL and IADL disability. Men manifest similar patterns for IADLs. DISCUSSION: Although foreign-born elders live slightly longer lives, they do so with more years spent in a disabled state. Given the rapid aging of the Mexican-origin population, the prevention and treatment of disabilities, particularly among the foreign born, should be a major public health priority.
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the potential effects of nativity and acculturation on active life expectancy (ALE) among Mexican-origin elders. METHOD: We employ 17 years of data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly to calculate ALE at age 65 with and without disabilities. RESULTS: Native-born males and foreign-born females spend a larger fraction of their elderly years with activities of daily living (ADL) disability. Conversely, both foreign-born males and females spend a larger fraction of their remaining years with instrumental activities of daily life (IADL) disability than the native-born. In descriptive analysis, women with low acculturation report higher ADL and IADL disability. Men manifest similar patterns for IADLs. DISCUSSION: Although foreign-born elders live slightly longer lives, they do so with more years spent in a disabled state. Given the rapid aging of the Mexican-origin population, the prevention and treatment of disabilities, particularly among the foreign born, should be a major public health priority.
Authors: Ana F Abraído-Lanza; Adria N Armbrister; Karen R Flórez; Alejandra N Aguirre Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2006-06-29 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Marc A Garcia; Luis M Valderrama-Hinds; Chi-Tsun Chiu; Miriam S Mutambudzi; Nai-Wei Chen; Mukaila Raji Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2017-03-30 Impact factor: 5.562