Tip Sheet: Hispanic/Latina/Latino/Latinx Older Adults: A Guide to Managing Your Health

As a Hispanic/Latina/Latino/Latinx (hereafter referred to as Hispanic/Latinx) person over the age of 65 years, this information might be helpful for you and your family. While many Hispanic/Latinx people trace their heritage or identity to the Caribbean and North, Central, and South America, some Hispanic people trace their origins back to Spain.

As a member of these ethnicities or cultures, you might be at greater risk for some diseases. The top five causes of death for older Hispanic/Latina American women are cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. For Hispanic/Latino men, the top five causes of death are cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and chronic lung diseases. These conditions can be related to lifestyle, nutrition, financial, social, and environmental factors.

Your healthcare team might not be fully familiar with your culture and community. At your health visits, please let them know your health needs and ask questions. Your healthcare team wants to give you the best care possible and keep you healthy.

Special Healthcare Concerns of Older Hispanic/Latinx Americans

Communicating With Your Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team can include physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, pharmacists, therapists, and others. Each team member has special training to help you in different ways.

Your healthcare team will want to know about your culture and what is important to you! You will receive the best care by being open and honest about your cultural beliefs, since they might have a major impact on your health.

We hope this information has been helpful to you. Be sure to let your healthcare providers know if you or your family members have any questions.

Last Updated September 2021

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