Critical Perspectives on Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780309092111)

In their later years, Americans of different racial and ethnic backgrounds are not in equally good--or equally poor--health. There is wide variation, but on average older Whites are healthier than older Blacks and tend to outlive them. But Whites tend to be in poorer health than Hispanics and Asian Americans. This volume documents the differentials and considers possible explanations.

Selection processes play a role: selective migration, for instance, or selective survival to advanced ages. Health differentials originate early in life, possibly even before birth, and are affected by events and experiences throughout the life course. Differences in socioeconomic status, risk behavior, social relations, and health care all play a role. Separate chapters consider the contribution of such factors and the biopsychosocial mechanisms that link them to health. This volume provides the empirical evidence for the research agenda provided in the separate report of the Panel on Race, Ethnicity, and Health in Later Life.

Author: National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Scienc,Committee on Population
ISBN-10: 0309092116
ISBN-13: 9780309092111
Publisher: National Academies Press
Language: English
Published: 10/16/2004
Pages: 752
Format: Paperback
Weight: 2.61lbs
Size: 8.95h x 6.36w x 1.81d