Economic and family impacts of changes in health status of the aged population. Mexico 2001-2003.

Cesar Gonzalez, El Colegio de México
Roberto Ham-Chande, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte

Health is the main source of vulnerability of the elderly. This paper examines associations between changes in health status and living arrangements, family transfers and income. Data comes from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) 2001-2003. It has national and urban-rural representative of population aged 50 and over. Logistic regression and panel data techniques are used. Chronic diseases clearly impact family transfers and job income. Diabetes and arthritis have significant effects. Stroke and heart attack have strong relationship. Requiring help on ADL or IADL impact living in an extended household and receiving family transfers than just having difficult to perform these activities. Socio-demographic characteristics as age, sex, schooling, place of residence and marital status play key roles on decisions, living arrangements and the source of income for older people. Findings show how chronic diseases, ADL and IADL have strong implications for the elderly and their family.