Using a large, national dataset, this project focuses on the activity limitations of the Mexican American elderly and their receipt of assistance. The study demonstrates that 65% of the respondents reported at least one activity limitation and that the majority of those did not receive any assistance with the limitation from family. Results show that whereas some Mexican American elders do receive assistance from the family and some receive assistance from the formal sector a number are at risk of having their needs unmet. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the differences between those who received assistance solelyfrom thefamily, those who received assistancefrom theformal service sector or a combination offormal andfamily assistance, and those who received no help. Younger Mexican American elders, those with fewer limitations, and those with better English communication skills were more likely to receive no help with their limitations.
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