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Religious Involvement and Physical Functioning among Older Mexican Americans
Ivonne-Marie Berges1, Yong-Fang Kuo, M Kristen Peek
1Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch.
Hallym International Journal of Aging : HIJA
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Attending religious services regularly was linked to a lower risk of developing activities of daily living (ADL) disability in older Mexican Americans. This finding highlights the protective role of religious participation in maintaining functional independence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology of Religion
Background:
- Activities of daily living (ADL) disability is a significant concern for aging populations.
- Understanding protective factors for functional independence is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between religious service attendance and the incidence of ADL disability.
- To examine this relationship over a seven-year period in older Mexican Americans.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE).
- Employed logistic generalized estimation equation (GEE) models to analyze the data.
- Controlled for demographic factors, medical conditions, and physical mobility.
Main Results:
- Frequent religious service attendees showed a 30% lower odds of developing ADL disability over seven years.
- This protective association remained significant (23% lower odds) even after controlling for physical and mental health status.
Conclusions:
- Regular attendance at religious services is associated with a reduced likelihood of ADL disability in older Mexican Americans.
- Religious participation may serve as a protective factor for maintaining functional abilities in later life.
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