Hispanic Culture and Aging

For many years Little Mexico was considered the epicenter for the Mexican American community in Dallas. Located in what is now known as the Uptown and Victory Park areas, between 1920 and 1970 Little Mexico was once a thriving Hispanic community.

“Life there was wonderful,” said Anita N Martinez, community leader and founder of the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico.

“Everyone knew one another and watched out for each other. My uncle had a grocery store there and my mother had a beauty shop. It was like a big conclave. The community was one big family.”

And following Hispanic tradition, family often meant several generations living together under one roof.

“My grandmother lived with my uncle,” said Ms. Martinez, who is now in her 80s. “She lived a long and health life.”

According to the National Hispanic Council on Aging based in Washington D.C., by 2030 an estimated 70 million, or 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 or older. The Hispanic population is now the largest minority in the United States and is expected to continue a 555 percent growth rate through 2030. It is projected that the Hispanic elderly will make up 11.2 percent of the U.S. senior population by 2030 and may reach 17.5 percent by 2050.

According to Dr. Yaira Cruz, president and CEO of the council, statistics show that as a group, elder Hispanics have lower levels of education that other minority groups and they have a high chance of having two or more chronic diseases.

“Their first language is often Spanish and their cultural heritage and communication style are sometimes at odds with the cultures of U.S. healthcare and government systems,” Dr. Cruz said from her D.C. offices. “The consequences of these barriers are dire. Because of low levels of English proficiency and education, older Hispanics tend to be poorer than Non-Hispanic Whites and have often spent their lives working in jobs with low income and little or no benefits. They often do not have medical insurance in addition to Medicare and many have worked in conditions in factories or on farms that makes them susceptible to chronic diseases.”

But what statistics don’t show is how families fill the gap.

While there are certainly economic advantages for seniors to live with their families, Ms. Martinez said taking care of one’s family is more than a financial fix.

“We want them with us because we love them. You feel a responsibility for your loved ones.”