This study addresses the problems associated with the decrease in family support to Puerto Rican elderly living in the United States, in the context of increased environmental risks factors and changing family structure. The study examines data collected in a Northeast city regarding the levels of family and social support available to the elderly Latino population. The study reports on: 1) the extent to which the changing Puerto Rican family structure has reduced the ability of families to provide support to the elderly; 2) the perceived mental and physical effects of lower levels of family support; 3) the strategies used by Puerto Rican elderly to cope with increased isolation. Preliminary results of this study inform that the incorporation of women into the labor force has reduced their ability to be caregivers of aging parents. This problem is exacerbated by economic hardships of the families. Second, a larger proportion of elderly who reported higher levels of isolation registered higher scores in depression. Third, this group started to relay more on social services, private organizations and churches to meet their needs in the absence of help from family members. Transportation was one of the services most needed. Results inform that the growing numbers of aging Puerto Ricans and other Latinos will require more planning and resources to address the needs of this population. The traditional support net of Latino families is eroding rapidly and alternative sources of support must be put in place.
Learning Objectives: 1. The participant will evaluate the extent to which the changing family structure among Puerto Ricans has reduced the ability of families to provide support to the elderly. 2. The participant will assess the impact of increased isolation on the mental health status of elderly. 3. The participant will identify the coping strategies adopted by Latino elderly to meet their needs in the absence of traditional family support
Keywords: Aging, Latinos
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.