Disability and Aging in US Minority Populations

Many older adults in the USA experience disability as they age. Older adults of minority groups are predisposed to different health conditions, face inequities in care access, and possess varying value systems that affect the trajectory and quality of their health and quality of life. There are important research gaps on older adults of racial/ethnic minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, and American Indian/Alaska Natives. Minority older adults may experience the “double jeopardy” of aging through its combined effects with minority status, leading to greater disenfranchisement than that of their White counterparts. Women and members of the LGBT community also face unique challenges as they age, such as higher rates of disability, poverty, and social isolation than men or non-LGBT identifying older adults, respectively. This overview compares minority groups using markers of aging including life expectancy, disease prevalence, healthcare spending, hospital visits, and nursing home utilization. Cultural practices, sociopolitical context, value systems, views toward aging, and social support structures are also examined. We also consider other factors impacting minority aging such as immigration status and geographic location. Caregiving profiles and caregiver well-being are explored through the concept of “aging in place.” Finally, suggestions are made on future directions for family members of older adults, caregivers, healthcare providers, and policymakers on better meeting the unique needs of older adults of US minority populations.