Cognition and Mental Health in Aging Latino Americans

Abstract

Becoming older is one of life's most inevitable factors. Regardless of sex, gender, or race, most people will experience old age depending on lifespan. Negative stigmas attached to aging become instilled in individuals starting at birth, throughout childhood, and continue into adulthood (Levy, 2003). Individuals fear losing their minds, their freedom, and their ability to live without assistance. As we age, cognition can slow down and even begin to diminish after a certain age if mental health is not properly cared for. Physical aging is a factor that humans strive to postpone, but cognition and mental health is often overlooked. One group that is often underrepresented and lacking research in mental health is the Latino American population. With the many discriminatory and migration controversies taking place in the United States, Latinos are at risk of suffering more than one stigma and falling short of assistance. Although Latinos have the highest life expectancy compared to other American populations, they are at a higher risk of suffering from certain diseases and/or mental disabilities such as diabetes and arthritis (Angel, 2009). Apart from the physical downfalls, these diseases can have a drastic impact on the mental health of these individuals which can negatively impact their overall quality of life. This research will focus on mental health and cognition among Latino Americans and will conclude by proposing a social program in order to increase assistance and mental health knowledge among this community, because it is growing more rapidly than many other racial groups in the United States.