Race, Structural Disadvantage, Stress and Health in Later Life

Race, Structural Disadvantage, Stress and Health in Later Life
Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this pilot award employs both life course and biopsychosocial perspectives to study racial inequalities in the health and well-being of blacks, Hispanics and whites aged 50 and older. It examines how racial/ethnic structural disadvantages such as stress, discrimination and deleterious neighborhood living conditions effect older adult health, especially when it involves various types of inflammation and chronic diseases. The study highlights the unique and multidimensional pathways to health inequality that stem from historic, systemic racism, providing concrete data for policymakers to use in the effort to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.