Critical Perspectives on Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life - Softcover

National Research Council; Division Of Behavioral And Social Sciences And Education; Committee On Population; Panel On Race, Ethnicity, And Health In Later Life

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309092116 ISBN 13: 9780309092111

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2004

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Norman B. Anderson, Randy A. Bulatao, and Barney Cohen, Editors, Panel on Race, Ethnicity, and Health in Later Life, National Research Council

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309092116
• ISBN 13: 9780309092111
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 752
• Editor: Cohen Barney, Bulatao Rodolfo A., Anderson Norman B.