The Art of Latina and Latino Elderhood

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 Contents 5 The art of Latina and Latino elderhood: A note from the editor 7 Special issue: The art of Latina and Latino elderhood 9 Acknowledgements 15 References 15 Reflections of an aging Chicano boomer: Growing old in the time of demographic transformation 18 Abstract 18 Resumen 18 The contextual factors: The demographic trends 20 The aging of the Latino population: Good news and not-so-good news 21 Time travel: Back to the future of my personal journey 23 The longevity dividend: How will we use our expanded lifespan? 24 Taking care of our own: The romantic illusion 25 Retirement insecurity and the feminization of aging 26 End-of-Life (EOL) and loss is the actuarial inevitability 26 Reconnecting to our legacy 27 Final thoughts 28 References 29 Operation Granma G 31 Headnote 31 Nota inicial 31 Dancing among older Latinos: Interweaving health and culture 42 Abstract 42 Resumen 42 The importance of this topic 43 Early beginnings 45 Culture 45 Favorite aspects of dancing 46 Barriers to dancing 46 Dancing versus other types of physical activity 46 Remaining themes 46 BAILAMOS dance program 47 Bypassing Alzheimer’s, increasing Latinos’ activity and cognition (BAILA-C) 47 Latinos unique scenario, cognitive impairment addressed via dance (LUCID) 49 Tecnología y ejercicio en la comunidad Hispana (BAILA TECH) 51 Exploratory qualitative study 52 The BAILA TECH intervention 52 Takeaway messages 53 Acknowledgements 54 References 54 Hairpiece: A photo essay featuring Yolanda Lopez 60 Headnote 60 Abstract 60 Nota inicial 61 Resumen 61 In your fifties, you’re like the crone, sixties, and you are the abuela: A diálogo with older Latina actors 74 Headnote 74 Abstract 74 Nota inicial 74 Resumen 75 Acknowledgements 86 The abuela perplex: Unscripting Latina elderhood 88 Abstract 88 Resumen 88 Introduction 89 “Paciencia y fe”? 91 “En casa de los viejitos” 96 “Azuquita pal café” 101 Acknowledgements 105 References 105 Vital minimums: El Salvador between youth and old age 108 Abstract 108 Resumen 108 A philosophy of life 112 The contemporary Masferrer 114 The sociality of age in El Salvador 116 Transnational vital minimums 119 Varieties of Salvadoran aging 121 Toward a theory of old age need 125 Acknowledgements 127 References 127 A lesson learned: The beginning and end of life 131 Headnote 131 Abstract 131 Nota inicial 131 Resumen 132 Old Man 137 Baby 138 Conclusion 139 Acknowledgements 141 "It is widely recognized that Latinos are a sizable and diverse population and that they are a young demographic. The median age of non-Hispanic white Americans is 58, whereas for Latinos it is 30. Perhaps this partially explains the dearth of attention afforded to the topic of aging Latinos by academic scholarship and the mainstream media. This book 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. The book 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 in an academic context. The contributors 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"-- Provided by publisher