Race/Ethnic and Nativity Differentials in Functional Limitations during Middle and Late-Life

Jennifer E. Melvin, University of Texas at Austin
Robert A. Hummer, University of Texas at Austin

Research points to differentials in disability by race/ethnicity, nativity and gender. However, disability and declines in health start long before individuals are limited in their ability to perform expected social roles. This study examines functional limitations in both middle and later life across twelve sub-groups of the population. We use fifteen years of data from the National Health Interview Survey to make these detailed comparisons. Results indicate that while immigrants in mid- life generally experience relatively low prevalence of functional limitations, this pattern reverses in late life, especially for foreign born women. For U.S. born disadvantaged minority groups functional limitations are significantly higher relative to non-Hispanic whites in both middle and late life, with minority women reporting the highest prevalence. Understanding differentials in functional limitations has important implications for the development of more effective policies aimed at reducing health inequality.