ATLANTA, Ga. – A majority of Latino Baby Boomers, those born from 1946 to 1964, are reaching their senior years without the possibility of retirement. For example, Patricia Aristizábel opened her business of promotional products two years ago.

Despite many of Aristizábel’s counterparts reaching retirement, the Colombian immigrant started a new career. For her, retirement is not around the corner.

“I don’t want to think that tomorrow I’m going to retire, or even in five or 10 years. I think I started to work late and still have much energy and time to continue doing it,” she said.

“In the United States, there are approximately 8 million Hispanic Boomers, almost 10 percent of all who make up that generation,” said Fernando Torres-Gil, vice president of the National Council on Disability and director of the Center for Policy Research on Aging at the University of California, Los Angeles. Recently published U.S. Census data shows that the state of Georgia has 2.5 million Baby Boomers, in which 80,000 of those are Latino.

Gaps Between Latino, White Boomers

Torres-Gil, who led the U.S. Administration on Aging under Preside Clinton, has researched the Baby Boomer generation. His research found that Latino Boomers have made more progress than their parents, as previous generations made sacrifices for their children in order to live a better life. He analyzed that these sacrifices have inspired many Latinos to strive for the American Dream, but that the situation of Latino Boomers is not comparable to Boomers of other ethnicities.

“Over the past 40 years, baby boomers have made progress in Latino civil rights, economics and education. But they have not yet reached the same level as white boomers,” stated Torres-Gil. One of those gaps between the two groups, he said, is the ability to retire.

“The main concern of this generation of Latinos is that they will rely more on Social Security than whites and have fewer resources to retire,” said Torres-Gil. Furthermore, some Latino Baby Boomers still have financial obligations as parents with children under their care. For instance, Aristizábal is a small business owner and the head of her family with one daughter in college and two sons graduating from high school this year.

“I’m working part time with an organization and the other half time I am dedicated to my business and my children,” she said. “I juggle because I am a housewife, mother and I have two jobs.”

Recession Versus Retirement

According to Torres-Gil, the recession has worsened the situation of many in this generation.

“The economic downturn showed how vulnerable Latinos are in general, but especially baby boomers,” Torres-Gil stressed. “Before the recession, Latinos already had low coverage of pension and savings, but the recession has eroded the savings and resources they had and increased unemployment,” he said.

Fifty-five-year-old Felipe Gomez is one of those who were affected by the financial crisis. Gomez, a Latino, lost his factory job in 2008, and since has suffered a heart attack. He has struggled to support his family and to make his home payments. A report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research found that a majority of Latino older workers are in jobs that are physically demanding or have difficult working conditions. The report states, “Many workers would be physically unable to extend work lives in their jobs.” For Gomez, retirement is not an option.

“We are very indebted right now, but our house is all that the Lord has permitted us to keep,” said Gomez. He was able to get a job a few months ago, but the position does not provide any benefits such as health insurance or a 401(k) account for retirement savings. As of not, Gomez does not believe he can retire and take care of his health. “My goal would be to retire, yet I am afraid of retiring because I have not accomplished what I wanted. In the time off work, I had to go through everything I had saved in my retirement plan,” he said. His doctor recommended that Gomez apply for Social Security disability benefits, but he was denied. Gomez is currently fighting for the decision to be reversed.

Gomez recalled, “I told the doctor, ‘I want another round of 10 years’ work.’ And he said, ‘You’ll die.'” Gomez said he was not well prepared to be unemployed. Despite the difficulties he has faced, Gomez said his faith in God will help him overcome his challenges.

Roles of a Generation

Many aging Boomers also face is the responsibility of parental care. Torres-Gil’s research noted that caring for a parent is a commitment for many Hispanic families and is a significant challenge for Latino Baby Boomers. Living in Marietta, Georgia, Ann Hoos, cares for her ninety-five-year-old mother who has Alzheirmer’s disease. At fifty-eight, Hoos’ life surrounds her work as a doctor and taking care of her mother. She says her biggest challenge is ensuring she is not neglecting herself. Speaking of her caretaking responsibilities, Hoos commented, “With children come the joy of watching them grow and develop. But when the person is elderly, she is going backwards and not everyone can take the responsibility that comes.”

She explains, “It’s tough, but I see it as a mission.” Hoos spends her weekdays caring for others at the hospital. During evenings and weekends, she is devoted to caring for her mother.

Future Retirement?

Based upon the circumstances Latino Boomers are facing today, researches question if retirement is still a possibility for them. Torres-Gil stated, “We’re starting to see that Latino baby boomers may be more vulnerable than expected and may not meet expectations that they and their parents had for them.” As her retirement years approach, Patricia Aristizábal is unsure of the future ahead due to economic instability and the risk of unemployment. “Suddenly you think we are moving forward and something happens elsewhere that affects us all,” she said.