UC Santa Barbara

Aging is a normal process that is part of life and is informed by a complex interaction between social, cultural, economic, and other factors (e.g., biological, physiological, psychological, Lindland et al., 2015). In the U.S., Latinx communities represent the fastest growing older population. It is suggested that an individual’s subjective experience of aging and awareness around their aging processes informs their overall wellbeing. A growing body of literature indicates older Latinx are active members in their family networks and many view aging as a positive experience despite declines in health (Alfaro et al., 2019; Choi et al., 2021). Among Latinx communities bienestar [wellbeing] is informed by balance and harmony with the self, harmonious relationships with family, and balance with physical and spiritual environments (Izquierdo, 2005; Willeto, 2012). The purpose of this study was to expand the literature on aging and wellbeing among Mexicanos en la tercera edad [older Mexican individuals] by exploring how culture informs the subjective experience of aging and bienestar. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted among Spanish-speaking Mexicanos nacidos en México [Mexican-born] who were over the age of 65 years, have over 40 years of living in the U.S., and reside in Southern California. Participants were also asked to share a photo that was representative of their lived experiences as Mexicanos. Data was analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (Smith et al., 2021). Six overall themes emerged, including (1) Vivencias de su Crianza en México [Experiences from their Upbringings in Mexico], (2) Experiencias Inmigrando a los Estados Unidos [Experiences Immigrating to the U.S.], (3) La Esencia de la Familia [The Essence of Family], (4) Agradecimiento por la Vida [Gratitude for Life], (5) Prácticas que Informan su Bienestar [Practices that Inform their Wellbeing], and (6) Transiciones de la Vida [Life Transitions]. Central to their subjective experiences of aging and wellbeing were their cultural values and practices within the context of recalling their personal histories and their current relationships with God, family, and friends. Limitations, future research, and implications for Mexicanos nacidos en México are discussed.