Sus vidas y amores…(Their Lives and Loves…) Latino Singles At Midlife and Beyond

How do midlife and older Hispanics feel about what it means to be single or divorced, what are their concerns related to dating and sexuality, and how can organizations develop programs and provide quality of life enhancement activities that will benefit Hispanic singles? This study, commissioned by AARP's Spanish language and bilingual magazine, AARP Segunda Juventud, explores these issues in an effort to obtain insight and provide guidance on developing activities and programs that will benefit Hispanic singles. The findings are based on a nationally representative sample of 504 telephone interviews with Hispanic midlife and older adults.

Most of the Latino singles admit that having personal freedom is tops. Many say they enjoy not having to “deal with” another person. For many, however, there is a definite downside to being single in midlife and beyond: concerns include not having anyone to help them out when needed, loneliness, and inadequate finances (especially among single women).

On a scale of 1 to 10 (worst possible life to best possible), almost half of Latino singles (46%) rate their present lives an 8, 9, or 10. Somewhat more (55%) project that their futures (5 years ahead) will be bright.

The survey was conducted for AARP by International Communications Research (ICR) via phone interviews with 504 respondents who were Hispanic, ages 40-69, and single. For further information, contact Xenia Montenegro, AARP Project Director at 202-434-3538.

Pub ID: D18324