Late-life immigration, changes in living arrangement, and headship status among older Mexican-origin individuals

Objective. In this study we first examine for Mexican Americans aged 65 or older the correlates of changes in living arrangements over a two-year peri od with special focus on the age at migration to the United States; and sec ond, determine the predictors of headship status at the end of that period. Methods. We employ the 1993-95 Hispanic-EPESE (Established Population for Epidemiological Studies of the Elderly), a longitudinal data set that conta ins a representative sample of 3,050 older Mexican Americans residing in th e Southwestern United Scares. Results. The results show that individuals wh o immigrate after age 50 are more likely to move in with others rather than have someone move in with them, especially when they become ill. Conclusio ns. The social policy implications of the recent eligibility restrictions o n long-term care services and supports for older Mexican American immigrant s and their families are discussed.