ABSTRACT
A significant historical focus for Cubans occurred with the dramatic overthrow of dictator Fulgencio Batista in the late 1950s. Over 215,000 people of Cuban origin were compelled to flee to the United States between 1959 and 1962. Educational attainment of elderly Cuban-American immigrants was not likely to go beyond grade-school completion. For the elderly, dental health is important. In addition to the physical process of eating, the psychological component is of great importance. Cuban elderly had more opportunities to participate in both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking churches. Elderly Cubans who live alone appear to have different needs for social and health services than those who live with spouses or others. Therefore, service providers may design and offer different services for elderly persons who live alone. The traditional Cuban value system of respecting the elderly, family cohesiveness, and maintaining a personalized approach to communication is generally perceived as having diminished importance in their new homeland.
