Compile OpenCV for RedHat 5.5

Hi I'd like to compile OpenCV 3 for RedHat EL 5.5. It seems the OS lacks from many up-to-date versions of several OpenCv dependencies (like glib, etc). I've succeded compiling the same OpenCV version for a RedHat EL 6. Could I compile OpenCV on the previous RHEL 6 in static mode so the release includes the needed dependencies and install it on the RHEL 5.5 to run on it? If so, how could I do it? OpenCV 2 is installed on the destination and I wouldn't like to screw it if the new compilation does not work. What files should I back up on the RHEL 5.5 with OpenCV 2? Thanks in advance and regards Luis