Ethnic and gender differences in perceived needs for social services among three elderly Hispanic groups

The study used data from a nationwide probability sample of 1,855 Hispanics age 65 and older, representing three major ethnic groups, Cubans (n = 714), Mexicans (n = 773), and Puerto Ricans (n = 368), to examine ethnic and gender differences in ten selected perceived needs for social services. The findings revealed variations in social service needs between and within ethnic and gender groups. Generally, the Cuban elderly reported a lower rate of needs than both Mexican and Puerto Rican elderly. More similarities in needs were found between Mexican and Puerto Rican elderly. Men and women in these three samples of the Hispanic elderly also had different patterns of social service needs. When education was controlled for, the results revealed that ethnic differences were more likely to appear among less educated respondents. Implications of these findings for social work practice and research are discussed.