New Data and Methodological Approaches on Aging Research in Mexico and the United States

The last decades have been marked by a considerable increase in the availability of population and health data in Mexico and the United States. Recent datasets, many focused exclusively on older adults, have provided a wealth of data. In addition, methodological advances have been made to better analyze the available data sources. This chapter highlights some of advances in data availability and methodological advances. It also introduces the three papers of this section. They are important examples on how recent data collections have been critical for the expansion of knowledge on health issues in these countries. In particular, these studies draw attention to the similarities and interconnectedness of the Mexican and the U.S. populations. This chapter also emphasizes the need for additional data, such as on smaller geographic units, interventions and their cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, it is clear that our understanding of the health and wellbeing of the older adults will continue to increase as data became increasingly available.