Dimensions of Retirement among Minority Elderly / Martha B. McFadden and Others.

Retirement research which focuses on retiring white males is not relevant to the emerging group of minority retirees. The retirement decision-making and perceptions about retirement among almost equal numbers of Blacks, Latinos, and Anglos (N=595) in Denver and San Diego were examined to investigate the appropriateness of the emerging minority retiree as a potential community resource. Subjects completed a standard field interview assessing: (1) socio-demographic characteristics; (2) labor force history; (3) familial, social, and community interaction and participation patterns; and (4) retirement attitudes, expectations, and behavior. Personnel (N=279) from San Diego County community organizations completed questionnaires about the staffing, programs, and involvement of the elderly in their organizations. Major socio-economic variables suggested that Blacks and Latinos could anticipate a more disadvantaged retirement condition than Anglos. Low levels of formal education and occupational status and low income jobs among minorities had a potentially negative impact on retirement conditions. The findings suggest that there are wide discrepancies in the retirement experiences and attitudes of Blacks, Latinos, and Anglos. (NRB)

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