Older Latinos Face Higher Social Isolation. A New Study Hopes to Help.
DENVER — Colorado’s population of older Latinos is growing, and a new study aims to enhance understanding of why they experience higher rates of social isolation, which are linked to poor health outcomes.
This research initiative is led by the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO), an established entity focused on studying and supporting the Latino community in the state.
Recognizing that the population of Latinos aged 50 and above is expected to double by 2040, CLLARO found a noticeable gap in research focusing on this demographic. They are committed to investigating ways community engagement can foster connection and well-being among older Latinos.
CLLARO’s findings indicate that aging Latinos encounter distinct challenges that contribute to their social isolation, including language barriers and complexities related to immigration status. Omar Temprana, CLLARO’s Research Institute program coordinator, expressed, “Older adult Latinos often face social isolation in their homes, even living in multi-generational households. We want to tackle this issue and demonstrate the need for targeted programs and legislation.”
Research indicates that Latinos, particularly those who have migrated to the United States, experience social isolation at elevated rates compared to non-Latinos, and this trend often worsens with age. Such mental and emotional distress can exacerbate long-standing health conditions or disabilities, substantially increasing the risk of more severe health problems or mortality.
To gain insight, CLLARO is examining how loneliness impacts older Latinos in Colorado and identifying social interactions that might alleviate this issue.
Temprana mentioned that their approach involves community-engaged research to create environments in which older Latinos can foster community bonds. To this end, CLLARO organized bi-weekly activities for a group of twelve Latinas aged 50 and older, allowing them to choose the activities while the organization provides the necessary support.
Clara Abad, one of the participants, shared, “They spoil us. They make us feel like human beings with a lot of value.” As an immigrant, Abad has faced numerous hardships, including language difficulties, financial constraints, and separation from family in her home country.
The stress associated with irregular immigration status adds to her struggles. Unlike U.S. citizens who are generally able to retire and receive government assistance, many undocumented immigrants must continue working as they age.
During gatherings, Abad feels a sense of understanding and respect. “They know what we need, but they also understand how we feel, which is often frustrated and in pain because we left our country and our family,” she noted. “Our hearts are divided in two.”
Another participant, Silvia Rangel-Reyes, described how the social group has revitalized her outlook on life. After experiencing a health condition that left her feeling despondent, she now looks forward to the gatherings. “Life is beautiful. I can still do so many things. I can give of myself to others. I can help,” Rangel-Reyes expressed.
The activities have included shopping trips, aquarium visits, and playing LoterÃa, a traditional Mexican game akin to Bingo. Rangel-Reyes treasured a recent excursion to the mountains to visit a hot spring, exclaiming, “Even after so many years living here, I had never gone to the mountains. I felt like a young girl at 66 years old.”
These bi-weekly outings have significantly enhanced the sense of community, support, and care among the women involved, as highlighted by both Abad and Rangel-Reyes.
For CLLARO, Temprana remarked, “It has delivered outcomes that exceed our expectations.” The organization hopes to broaden the scope of the study across multiple counties in Colorado, applying their findings to propose improvements in state policies to support older Latinos more effectively.
If you are Latino and 50 years or older, there’s an opportunity for you to participate in CLLARO’s study. You can complete a brief online survey in exchange for a $25 gift card, or you can sign up for an in-person interview for an hour and receive a $50 gift card.
