It is widely recognized that Latinos are a sizable and diverse population and that we are a young demographic. The median age of non-Hispanic white Americans is 58, whereas for Latinos it is 30.Footnote1 Perhaps this partially explains the dearth of attention afforded to the topic of aging Latinos by academic scholarship and the mainstream media. This special issue compellingly alerts us to the reality that there is a growing, aging Latino population about which we know very little and that deserves our attention. I am grateful to Katynka Martínez and Mérida Rúa for curating “The Art of Latina and Latino Elderhood,” since this special issue responds to this significant gap in our knowledge with an exciting set of academic articles and creative contributions that challenges not only our assumptions about Latinos and aging but also our thinking on the types of contributions we include in our journal pages. Katynka and Mérida make the case that the story of Latino elderhood is best conveyed through a truly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, bringing together public policy, humanistic social sciences, and artistic interventions. So, for the first time, Latino Studies is pleased to feature a novel in progress, a photo essay/dialógo, an artist’s monologue, and a dialogue among actors alongside more traditional academic articles. I think you will agree that this issue before you beautifully conveys why the subject of Latinos and aging should concern all of us, and that it will powerfully spur other researchers and artists to take up the invitation to continue to share new evocative stories about the pleasures, difficulties, and complexities of Latinx later life.
Previously published in Latino Studies Volume 19, issue 4, December 2021
Author(s): Katynka Z. Martínez, Mérida M. Rúa
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 140
City: Cham
Contents
The art of Latina and Latino elderhood: A note from the editor
Special issue: The art of Latina and Latino elderhood
Acknowledgements
References
Reflections of an aging Chicano boomer: Growing old in the time of demographic transformation
Abstract
Resumen
The contextual factors: The demographic trends
The aging of the Latino population: Good news and not-so-good news
Time travel: Back to the future of my personal journey
The longevity dividend: How will we use our expanded lifespan?
Taking care of our own: The romantic illusion
Retirement insecurity and the feminization of aging
End-of-Life (EOL) and loss is the actuarial inevitability
Reconnecting to our legacy
Final thoughts
References
Operation Granma G
Headnote
Nota inicial
Dancing among older Latinos: Interweaving health and culture
Abstract
Resumen
The importance of this topic
Early beginnings
Culture
Favorite aspects of dancing
Barriers to dancing
Dancing versus other types of physical activity
Remaining themes
BAILAMOS dance program
Bypassing Alzheimer’s, increasing Latinos’ activity and cognition (BAILA-C)
Latinos unique scenario, cognitive impairment addressed via dance (LUCID)
Tecnología y ejercicio en la comunidad Hispana (BAILA TECH)
Exploratory qualitative study
The BAILA TECH intervention
Takeaway messages
Acknowledgements
References
Hairpiece: A photo essay featuring Yolanda Lopez
Headnote
Abstract
Nota inicial
Resumen
In your fifties, you’re like the crone, sixties, and you are the abuela: A diálogo with older Latina actors
Headnote
Abstract
Nota inicial
Resumen
Acknowledgements
The abuela perplex: Unscripting Latina elderhood
Abstract
Resumen
Introduction
“Paciencia y fe”?
“En casa de los viejitos”
“Azuquita pal café”
Acknowledgements
References
Vital minimums: El Salvador between youth and old age
Abstract
Resumen
A philosophy of life
The contemporary Masferrer
The sociality of age in El Salvador
Transnational vital minimums
Varieties of Salvadoran aging
Toward a theory of old age need
Acknowledgements
References
A lesson learned: The beginning and end of life
Headnote
Abstract
Nota inicial
Resumen
Old Man
Baby
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
