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Abstract: This study explores Latino elders' perceptions of familismo and the extent to which a familistic orientation translates into health support. Latinos have traditionally been portrayed as adhering to a familistic orientation with the presumption of duty and obligation to care for aging parents. Latino elders participated in focus groups that became the basis of this study. These elders shared ways they are reframing the familismo construct. Despite a greater need for support, elders reported infrequent contact with family. In the absence of family, family boundaries have been extended, so that others become "like family to me." The findings call into question the present state of familismo and the presumption that the Latino family is able to care for its own.
Key Words: Familism, Hispanics, Intergenerational Solidarity
This study explores Latino elders' views on family and family support and the extent to which familismo helps elders deal with health challenges. We asked Latino elders their perceptions of family and intergenerational support in matters of health. Our overarching goals were to gain an understanding of how these Latino elders define family, who they feel they can rely on, and the extent to which a familismo orientation translates into health action.
The topic of family support and health among older Latinos is a serious concern, as a review of the literature demonstrates a tendency for researchers (and others) to accept the traditional familismo construct that Latino elders five in multigenerational households where their physical, social, and health needs are readily met by family members. Data from this study challenges us to reconsider traditionally held views of the intergenerational collectivist spirit of Latino families ana the Latino families' ability to "care for their own."
OLDER LATINOS AND HEALTH
The Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. is rapidly growing, and the facts known yesterday about Latino health may not be enough to guide our program developments today. In 1988, slightly less than 5% of Hispanics in the U.S. were 65 years of age or older; accounting for approximately 1 million Hispanics. By 2020, Hispanics are projected to represent 14 % of the population, and by midcentury, well over 17% of the aged (Villa & Torres-Gil, 2001). Almost half (49%) will be of Mexican heritage (U. S. Administration on Aging...