Elderly Hispanic Americans represent the fastest growing aging population in the country, and often they face a number of concerns as they age, including maintaining a job, housing, or health.

Elderly Hispanics, particularly those 75 and over, are more likely to be unemployed and less likely to receive Social Security benefits; and those who do receive supplemental income, are dependent on it; needing it to stabilize them after a life of skilled labor positions has left them vulnerable, with disabilities, and unable to care for themselves properly. Often, because family members don't have spare time to assess the health of their elders or to visit, they neglect the obligation. The holiday season, however, poses the perfect opportunity for family members to sit, and question their elders about their concerns or discomfort, as family gathers for the season.

Judi Bonilla, writer, recently wrote a piece regarding elderly co-dependence, independence, and a general understanding of their needs; and how the holidays prove to be a great time to address those needs, as times for traditions, cultural observations and reflection.

When grandparents/parents maturate a change occurs in the family structure. The natural progression of aging and caregiving causes this shift. With 10,000 individuals turning 65 every day, there are many aging parents; therefore, it's important to seize any opportunity to educate oneself about the health and needs of an older family member. It's also vital to learn about any valuable information about their lives, when the family gathers in celebration, or congregate to discuss important matters and share histories. It is an opportune time to connect with family and discuss important concerns.

Banilla suggests using "POP" to enjoy the holidays and best utilize time to discover potential concerns of family members. POP is an acronym meaning: plan, observe and prepare; and it's a tactic for responding to concerns or interests of those elderly and aging. 

"Plan" requests that there needs to be a plan set in place, a list of questions that should be made regarding family history, and to communicate the desire to record that information .

"Observe" asks that family members closely watch their aging family member move in and out of their environment; examine their level of independence, and assess if they will be able to remain that way, and if so, for how long? How safe is their home? Are there any concerns regarding medication, lighting, or cords? Are they practicing safety at home and while driving?  What physical activities are they involved in, and what activities can be done to ward off things like dementia, if it seems to be in development?

"Prepare" is the stage where family should figure out what community resources are available to help family members. There are several channels set in place to help elders, including in-home services, health services and transportation.

It's important to discreetly understand the comings and goings of elder family members, while continuing to build and strengthen standing holiday traditions. With the knowledge that one day as an elder with potential health needs, pharmaceutical needs, housing needs and transportation needs it important to understand what options are available. Some of those options are bilingual services, Fall Prevention, and AARP Driver Safety Course.