Objectives: This study tested a healthy immigrant effect (HIE) and postimmigration health status changes among late life immigrants. Methods: Using three waves of the Second Longitudinal Study of Aging (1994-2000) and the linked mortality file through 2006, this study compared (a) chronic health conditions, (b) longitudinal trajectories of self-rated health, (c) longitudinal trajectories of functional impairments, and (d) mortality between three groups (age 70+): (i) late life immigrants with less than 15 years in the United States (n = 133), (ii) longer term immigrants (n = 672), and (iii) U.S.-born individuals (n = 8,642). Logistic and Poisson regression, hierarchical generalized linear modeling, and survival analyses were conducted. Results: Late life immigrants were less likely to suffer from cancer, had lower numbers of chronic conditions at baseline, and displayed lower hazards of mortality during the 12-year follow-up. However, their self-rated health and functional status were worse than those of their counterparts over time. Conclusion: A HIE was only partially supported among older adults. © The Author(s) 2012.

immigrants Healthy immigrant effect Elderly self-rated health Mortality

Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Socioeconomic Factors health status Aged longitudinal study socioeconomics cultural factor Longitudinal Studies psychological aspect Article United States human Humans migration