Race/sex comparisons of elderly living arrangements. Factors influencing the institutionalized of the unmarried.

This article describes recent trends in the total institutionalization rates among unmarried Black and White populations, by sex. In addition, an analysis is provided that evaluates the individual attributes associated with the probability of institutionalization for these same groups in 1980. To accomplish these goals, U.S. Census data from the 1960, 1970, and 1980 Public Use Samples are employed. The evidence suggests convergence over time in age-standardized rates across both race and sex groups. Also, there is considerable consistency among the groups in the factors that predict the likelihood of being in a formal long-term care situation. Although the Black population continues to access formal institutions less frequently than does the White population, the findings suggest that forecasters and planners need to take into account the increasing rate of elderly Black institutionalization along with the individual characteristics that influence these rates.