Race-related differences among elderly urban residents: a cohort study, 1975-1984
Article Abstract:
Blacks living in urban areas of the US are generally more disadvantaged in economic, social, and health care areas than are whites. Blacks are more likely to be sick and disabled and to have lower incomes and education levels. However, despite these circumstances, there is evidence that suggests that certain health-related advantages are experienced by blacks after the age of 74 years old. A total of 1,598 elderly urban residents were studied in 1975 to investigate the validity of this 'crossover' effect. Follow-up was performed in 1984 when the 645 survivors were reassessed. The study was performed in a northern industrial city, and 26 percent of the original participants were black. Significant changes, mortality, and rates of institutionalization were examined over this nine-year period. The expected social disadvantages, in particular, in income and education were found among the blacks. However, even though as a group they considered themselves less healthy, blacks probably had lower mortality and fewer institutionalizations after the age of 74. The self-reported poor mental health of blacks was not substantiated by other measures used in the study. Whites were more likely to have greater levels of dependency in some daily activities. Blacks were more likely to develop high blood pressure, glaucoma, and diabetes. In general, the results support the theory of a crossover phenomenon, where mortality for blacks declines with increased age; this is especially seen in black men. This mortality crossover theory still contains several unanswered questions and further research is needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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New cohorts of urban elders: are they in trouble?
Article Abstract:
Three cohorts of persons aged 65 to 76, 77 to 88 and 89 to 100 years old from Cleveland, OH, were analyzed by comparing the demographiccharacteristics and health issues of the subjects in 1975 and 1987. The 65 to 76-year-old segment of the elderly population in 1987 had worse health and financial status than subjects of the same age in 1975. The proportion of Blacks and poor persons increased with the educational level improving since 1975. Thus, a new cohort of residents who were more impaired, disabled and disadvantaged than their predecessors became part of the 65 to 76-year-old cohort between 1975 and 1987.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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Are blacks more likely than whites to receive and provide social support in middle and old age? Yes, no, and maybe so
Article Abstract:
Data from the 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households were used to compare differences between Whites and Blacks in social support transactions with others outside their households. Instrumental and emotional, but not financial, support were considered. The study found few differences between Blacks and Whites as a whole, particularly for emotional support. Middle age Black women were less active in providing instrumental support than White women, but for older women the trends were reversed. Older Black women were as active in providing support as White women, and more likely to receive it.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1993
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