The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45088

Pilar-Alicia Parra, PhD, Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, 3M7 MVR Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607- 255 0063, pap2@cornell.edu

In the 1990 Census 1.1 million of Latinos were 65 years and over. It is expected elderly Latinos will double in numbers by 2010. We lack information on prevalence of disability of this diverse population. This study examines four items in the 1990 census to measure a range of disabilities of individuals 60 years and over who identified themselves as Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican, individuals from Central American countries, and individuals from South American countries. Black and White individuals are included. Data are from the 1990 Census Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) and the Public Use Microdata Sample of the Older Population. Institutionalized population was excluded. A total of 8 percent of all people 60 years and older account for 85,589 records. Logistic regression models examined differences between race and ethnic groups controlling for socioeconomic and individual characteristics. Predicted probabilities were calculated from the logistic models to examine the differences in disability among race and ethnic groups. Both results show that Puerto Rican and Black are more likely than Whites to have a disability. Latino subgroups differ in the probability to suffer from disabilities, and compared to Whites, all groups are more likely to have a disability at an older age. Further analysis of the Latino subgroups is necessary to implement programs aimed to those groups in most need as well to dispel stereotypes that generalize all Latino elderly subgroups as dependent and impaired population or as a sector with no needs to address.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess differences in disability levels among ethnic and racial groups 60 years and over.
• Recognize social factors associated with levels of disability among elderly Black, White and Latino sub-groups.
• Identify sub-groups most in need of preventative and remedial programs

Keywords: Elderly, Hispanic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.