Information in this section is based on or directly quoted
from Cohort Analysis As A Tool In Ethnogeriatrics: Historical
Profiles of Elders From Eight Ethnic Populations In the United
States, by Gwen Yeo, Nancy Hikoyeda, Melen McBride, Soo-Young
Chin, Mary Edmonds, and Levanne Hendrix (1999). Working paper
series number 12, Stanford Geriatric Education Center, a program
in the Division of Community and Family Health, Stanford
University School of Medicine. Copyrighted material. Used with
permission. A full copy of this paper is available from the
Stanford Geriatric Education Center. Approximate cost is $12.00
US.
"Based on the brief descriptions
provided in the above analyses, one can conclude that a large
proportion of today's cohorts of elders from the populations
discussed have most likely experienced massive discontinuities
during their lifetimes. If one considers the probable effects of
those discontinuities and the associated adversities, it is clear
there may be significant influences upon the elders' sense of
self-esteem, their attitudes toward health and service providers,
and their trust of individuals and officials in the larger
society. It is important, however, to recognize the diversity
within each population which reflects many different experiences
that impact on physical and mental health, and to explore with
each elder his or her own history and its influence" (Yeo, et al,
1999, pg 55).