Profile of the Older Population Living in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Abstract

Florida has the greatest proportion (19%) of older population (65 years or older) in the United States. The age distribution of its residents, in conjunction with a major shift in the leading cause of death within all age groups from acute illnesses to chronic disease, creates unprecedented health care challenges for the state. The objective of this study is to profile the older population living in Miami-Dade County (MDC) using 3 population-based, household-based surveys conducted over the past 5 years.This study examined cross-sectional data (demographics, health outcomes, risk factors, health assess, and utilization) collected from probability-sampled, household-based surveys conducted in 3 areas of MDC: north Miami-Dade, Little Haiti, and South Miami. The questionnaire was administered face-to-face by trained interviewers in English, Spanish, French, or Creole. Analyses were restricted to households containing at least 1 member aged 65 years or older (n = 935). One consenting adult answered the questionnaire on behalf of household members.The mean age of the respondent (60% females) was 60 years. Overall, respondents were predominantly African-Americans, Hispanics, and blacks of Haitian origin. One-third of all households fell below the US poverty thresholds. One-quarter of all households had at least 1 member who was uninsured within the year before the survey. Twenty percent of households had at least 1 member with an acute myocardial infarction or stroke during the year before the survey. Bone density tests and blood stool tests were strikingly underutilized. The health outcomes most prevalent within household members were cardiovascular diseases followed by cancer, anxiety/depression, obesity, asthma, and bone fractures. Twenty percent of households reported having at least 1 current smoker. Overall, emergency rooms were the most commonly used places of care after doctor's offices.Findings of 3 household-based surveys show a predominantly elderly, female, uninsured, and poor minority populations living in MDC, FL. The reported use of preventive services was constrained, and emergency room use was often reported as a main resource for health care. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone fractures, and related risk factors were the most prevalent health outcomes.

The Effect of a Park-Based Physical Activity Program on Cardiovascular, Strength, and Mobility Outcomes Among a Sample of Racially/Ethnically Diverse Adults Aged 55 or Older

“…The older adult population in Miami-Dade County is majority Hispanic. The Hispanic population in the United States performs less physical activity than the non-Hispanic white population, and the Hispanic population in Miami-Dade County has a disproportionately greater burden of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure than the non-Hispanic white population (8,9). Our study showed that Hispanic participants had significantly greater improvements in blood pressure and pulse than non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black participants after the 21-week program.…”

“…Racial/ethnic minority populations have a disproportionate burden of multiple chronic conditions (4). Older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and low income populations are more likely to be sedentary or more likely to not follow recommended physical activity guidelines than the general population (7,8). For example, non-Hispanic white adults aged 65 or older in the United States report higher levels of physical activity than same-aged non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adults (8).…”

“…Older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and low income populations are more likely to be sedentary or more likely to not follow recommended physical activity guidelines than the general population (7,8). For example, non-Hispanic white adults aged 65 or older in the United States report higher levels of physical activity than same-aged non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adults (8). The Hispanic and non-Hispanic black population in South Florida's Miami-Dade County have a disproportionate burden of preventable chronic disease compared with the non-Hispanic white population living in that area (9,10).…”

Improvements in Outcomes and Disparities of ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care

“…South Florida has a unique patient population with diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, highest proportion of older adults as compared with other states, and with women outnumbering men at older ages. 1 A probability-sampled, householdbased survey in Miami-Dade County found that non-Hispanic whites constitute only 9.4% of the population with the majority being blacks, Hispanic, or Haitian blacks (non-English speaking ≈37.8%). 1 In this population, 53% of the residents had high school equivalent (or less) degree as formal education, and 34.5% were below the US poverty threshold.…”

“…1 A probability-sampled, householdbased survey in Miami-Dade County found that non-Hispanic whites constitute only 9.4% of the population with the majority being blacks, Hispanic, or Haitian blacks (non-English speaking ≈37.8%). 1 In this population, 53% of the residents had high school equivalent (or less) degree as formal education, and 34.5% were below the US poverty threshold. 1 Furthermore, one quarter of all households had at least 1 member who was uninsured at some point, and 3 of 5 households had at least 1 member who used Medicare for coverage.…”