Mortality Differences in the U.S. Oldest-Old Population by Nativity

Kirill F. Andreev, Queen's University

The aim of this study is investigation of mortality differences in the US oldest-old population by nativity status. By using Mortality Detail Files distributed by NCHS and Census 2000 1-Percent Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files provided by Census Bureau we estimated death rates in United States over period 1979-2000 and for ages 80+. Estimation has been carried out by almost extinct cohort methods. The results suggest that significant mortality differences exists in male but not in female population. The results support hypothesis that health selection is operating in immigrant population providing evidence that health differences are persisting throughout the life course. Small mortality differences observed between females are likely due to the fact that in general females are not principal rather dependent immigrants. As a depended or sponsored immigrant relies on support from a principle one we would expect that health selection effect is significantly weaker.