How Does Successful Aging Apply to Black Women? A Latent Class Analysis
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Successful aging varies significantly among older Black women. This study identified six distinct aging profiles, revealing diverse experiences beyond a homogenous group.
Area Of Science
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background
- Prior research indicates racial/ethnic and gender disparities in successful aging (SA).
- However, the heterogeneity of aging experiences within specific demographic groups remains underexplored.
- This study focuses on the diverse aging trajectories of older Black women.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the heterogeneity of successful aging experiences among older Black women.
- To identify distinct subgroups based on various health and social factors.
- To provide a nuanced understanding of aging within this population.
Main Methods
- Utilized data from the 2010/2012 U.S. Health and Retirement Study.
- Included 1,186 Black women who completed the Psychosocial Leave-Behind Questionnaire.
- Employed latent class analysis with indicators of physical health, psychological well-being, social support/strain, and social engagement.
Main Results
- Identified six distinct latent classes of successful aging: infirm, isolated, taxed, independent, vivacious, and robust.
- The 'robust' class (16% of respondents) exhibited the highest physical and psychological well-being and social relations.
- The 'vivacious' class (23% of respondents) showed high well-being and engagement but were unpartnered, while 'infirm' and 'isolated' classes faced significant health and social challenges.
Conclusions
- Significant heterogeneity exists in the aging experiences of older Black women.
- While many face challenges, 39% of older Black women align well with successful aging frameworks.
- Future research and interventions must acknowledge and address the non-homogenous nature of aging in Black women.
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