Well-Being and Family Support Among Elderly Rural Mexicans in the Context of Migration to the United States

Objective: To explore perceptions of well-being, family support, and economic resources in relation to level of contact with migration to the U.S. among a sample of elderly males from rural Mexico. Method: The snowballing technique was used to obtain a sample of 372 participants. Four groups were created according to the level of contact with migration among older adults and their children. Results: Greater level of contact with migration was associated with a higher likelihood that an older adult was literate, married or living with someone, self-employed, and retired or pensioned. In addition, greater level of contact with migration to the U.S. was associated with a higher level of perceived well-being, family support, and economic security. Discussion: Elderly, rural Mexican men with a greater degree of contact with migration to the U.S. seem to have more security and well-being in their old age.