Estimates of Active Life Expectancy among Mexican-Origin Elders

Marc A. Garcia, University of Texas at Austin
Jacqueline L. Angel, University of Texas at Austin

This study examines nativity differentials in life expectancy among Mexican-origin elderly with ADL/IADL disability. Our objective is to determine whether the “Latino paradox” in mortality extends to disability. We employ 17 years of data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of Elderly to calculate multistate life tables with disabilities and provide detailed comparisons in length of life and disabled life specific to gender. Estimated life expectancies are higher among the foreign-born. Native-born males and foreign-born females spend more years with ADL disability than their counterparts. Conversely, foreign-born elderly spend more years with IADL disability than their native-born peers. The Latino paradox does not extend to disability within this sample. Foreign-born elderly are living longer, but doing so in a disabled state particularly with regards to IADL disability. In light of the aging of the Latino population, prevention or effective management of disabling medical conditions warrants greater attention.