| The purpose of this study was to extend our knowledge and appreciation of the dimensions of ethnic minority aging by undertaking an exploratory analysis of the older West Indian migrant population in the United States. The study used census and original field survey data to profile the older West Indian migrant population in the state of Connecticut, a region with one of the oldest West Indian communities in the United States. It analyzed the demographic and socio-economic characteristics and the correlates of the living arrangements of 107 community dwelling women, aged 55 years and older, from ten countries in the English-speaking Caribbean who were resident in the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut.; The most prevalent household type was that in which the older West Indian migrant woman lived in a shared household with no spouse present. Women living alone constituted less than 20% of the study sample. Family need and monthly income emerged as respectively decreasing and increasing the likelihood of respondents living in a separate household. Homeownership proved to be the only significant correlate of the likelihood of the older woman being head of the shared household.; The occupational profile of the study participants reflected the structural characteristics of Caribbean migration, with the majority being in service occupations, especially domestic service and health care support. However a substantial minority were also in the professional or executive occupations. As a consequence income inequality characterized the group with half the participants being in economically vulnerable positions. However, more than half the women owned their own homes, individually or jointly with a spouse. The majority of women in the younger age groups and a substantial minority of those aged 75 years and over rated their health as excellent or very good, despite the presence of limiting or disabling conditions.; The implications of findings such as high levels of homeownership for access to services and benefits when needed are discussed. Recommendations for an approach to practice, which includes community organizing and policy practice with this population and for further research, for example into older West Indian migrants in other parts of the U.S., are made. |
