Anthony J. La Greca

Differences in the Housing Quality of White, Black, and Hispanic U.S. Elderly Households

Research has consistently linked minority status with the higher rates of housing problems found among elderly households. Given the projected increase in the relative size of Black and Hispanic elderly population groups, their housing needs are of particular interest to policymakers. Drawing on data from the American Housing Survey, this article assesses how the physical housing conditions of elderly (age 60+) White, Black, and Hispanic homeowners and renters differ and whether these differences persist after controlling for other relevant influences of housing quality. Black elderly households and to a lesser extent Hispanic elderly households were living in worse quality housing than White elderly households. Elderly Hispanic households were also living in overall better housing than elderly Black households. The findings argue for the targeting of elderly Black homeowners and renters and Hispanic owners as housing-deprived groups.

Individual lifestyles and survivorship: The role of habits, attitudes, and nutrition

Abstract Individual lifestyles bear directly on the length and quality of life. The habits and attitudes which reflect personal lifestyle are examined in terms of their life-threatening potential. Several important attitudes and behaviors are discussed in relation to survival, including: cultural expectations and “machismo,” a holistic perspective, physical exercise, motivation, paying attention, and cynicism. Nutrition behavior is used to illustrate how cultural and personal attitudes affect life chances. A distinction between realistic risk-taking activities and reckless danger is called for to prevent accidental death. A program of self-watching is encouraged in order to modify deleterious habits.

The psycho-social factors in surviving stress

Abstract The link between stress and survivorship is receiving prominent attention in medical and psychosocial research. The dynamics of this linkage are not fully understood. However, it is known that stress, if not properly coped with, can have severe pathological consequences on ones immune, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. These consequences can be deadly. This paper explores six key intervening factors that can mitigate the impact of stress: (a) childhood adaptation; (b) personality hardiness; (c) expectation of stresses; (d) compartmentalization of stress; (e) social support; and (f) environment. Suggestions are given for practical procedures and approaches one can use in coping with stress, thereby increasing ones chances for survivorship. In closing, the reader is reminded of the overwhelming amount of evidence that relates stress to survivorship. However, it has also been pointed out that one can deal with stress. Furthermore, the above discussion suggests ways that have proven to b...

The societal context of survivorship

Abstract This article focuses on the societal context of factors that influence life chances. It links patterns of mortality to region, site of habitation, and race. Survivorship is also discussed in terms of certain key changes in technology and mores of American society. Finally, 15 major dimensions affecting the length and quality of life are presented. They range from individual behavior (for example, smoking and alcohol or drug abuse) to societal policies influencing family planning and control of toxic agents. Each is discussed regarding prevalence and goals to reduce that prevalence.