Age Trajectories of Physical Health Among Older Adults of Mexican Descent: Implications of Immigrant Status, Age at Immigration, and Gender.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study examines consequences of immigrant status, age at immigration, and gender on age trajectories of activities of daily living (ADL) limitations and chronic conditions among older adults of Mexican descent. METHOD: This research draws on 7 waves of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly and employs growth curve models. RESULTS: All men had similar age trajectories of ADL limitations, regardless of immigrant status and age at immigration. All women experienced steeper increases in ADL limitations, although U.S.-born women and those who immigrated by age 19 had lower initial levels. Men who immigrated between ages 20 and 49 had steeper increases in chronic conditions, despite lower initial levels. U.S.-born women and those women who immigrated by age 50 had more chronic conditions at age 65. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the multidimensional nature of physical health by demonstrating that immigrant status-gender disparities can vary by the health outcome examined.