Acculturation and health of immigrants in elderly ages in Costa Rica

Abstract: Although health disparities among immigrants and natives has been researched quite extensively, the associations with acculturation and health require more attention, especially in Costa Rica where elderly immigrants have been increasing relatively for years and research is scarce. This study explores, with help of a longevity and aging survey (CRELES) and an ordered logit model, how this association holds for elderly immigrants in Costa Rica. It is found that these immigrants are less likely to have better self-rated health than natives, with the more recent immigrants being the closest to native levels, followed by those who have been in the country the longest, with the middle group last. Relationships with education and lifestyles seem to only have a partial effect moderating this association, suggesting income assimilation and access to health care may have a greater effect on immigrant’s health.