Structural and cultural factors in successful aging among older Hispanics.
Successful or healthful aging are terms that draw attention to life course issues related to individual, physical, and psychologic development and maturation, but they also draw attention to the material basis of successful aging and the social structures that determine one's place in the social hierarchy. This article focuses on barriers to optimal aging for Hispanics, especially those of Mexican origin, and argues that cultural factors and social class are closely associated. The reduction of health disparities and equity in medical and long-term care requires an understanding of both cultural and material sources of differential health levels.
Angel
Ronald J
RJ
Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. rangel@austin.utexas.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044469:Racial Groups; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors