Previously the healthiest group among older U.S. adults, Asian Americans no longer report the lowest disability rates. Instead, a study has found that non-Hispanic White Americans are now the healthiest population in this age group.

According to EurekAlert!, lead author of the study Leafia Ye states, “Our study shows that the ‘model minority’ stereotype – that Asians are this high-achieving minority group – misrepresents the actual experience of U.S.-born Asians.”

Researchers believe Asian American live healthier lives because it is less likely those in poor health would immigrate to the U.S. given the challenging immigration process.

The study utilized disability rates to measure health, defining disability as a long-lasting physical or mental health condition that makes it difficult for one to care for themselves and live independently. The findings conclude that all other racial groups have reported a decrease in disability rates across the last two decades, while Asian Americans have experienced no change in the prevalence of disability.

The study suggests that income inequality is a possible reason for this shift in trend, claiming that Asian Americans experienced “a clear decline in the proportion of the population above the bottom income” while Whites experienced an increase. Citing the NIH, a survey found that the poverty rate for AAPI who are 65 and above is 13%, while for other groups it is 9%.

With these new findings, the study concludes with a call for “more research that challenges traditional stereotypes and centralizes the diverse and changing experience of Asian Americans.”

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