Resiliency and Barriers to Successful Aging among Middle-Aged Mexican Immigrants residing in a Rural Agricultural Community

J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2024 Jun 7:gbae103. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbae103. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The Latino population is one of the largest, most diverse, and fastest growing demographic groups in the U.S. While Latinos enjoy longer life spans and reduced mortality risk relative to non-Hispanic whites, they have higher rates of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and dementia and live more of their older years with poor health and disability. Such inequities point to the need for this research focused on examining resiliency strategies and barriers to successful aging among various U.S. Latino subgroups.

METHODS: This qualitative paper used thematic content analysis to examine resiliency strategies and barriers to successful aging among Mexican immigrant women (n=40) residing in an underserved agricultural community and entering mid-life (mean = 49 years old).

RESULTS: With regards to barriers to successful aging, three themes emerged: 1) stressful lifestyle in the U.S. compared to the participants' home countries; 2) stress from expectations at home; 3) and stress due to work and the various components around work. The following four resiliency strategies emerged: 1) family as a motivation for moving forward in life and focusing on the success of children; 2) having a positive mindset; 3) praying to God for strength to overcome obstacles; and 4) self-care.

DISCUSSION: Despite experiencing barriers to successful aging, participants practice various resiliency strategies to age successfully. Since many of the barriers identified are related to poverty-related stressors, systemic solutions addressing the social determinants of health are needed.

PMID:38847491 | DOI:10.1093/geronb/gbae103