Today's older Americans are predominantly White, but the demographics of older America will undergo a dramatic transformation in the next few decades. The number of older Black Americans will triple by the middle of the next century, moving them from 8 to 10 percent of Americans over age 65. The older Hispanic population will increase 11 fold, going from representing fewer than 4 percent of today's older adults to representing nearly 16 percent of older adults. There are some major differences in the aging of the minority population as compared to the aging of White Americans. The onset of chronic illness in minorities is usually earlier than in Whites.
Minorities have a higher incidence of obesity and late onset diabetes.
Health problems among minorities are underreported to healthcare practitioners. Minorities frequently delay seeking health-related treatments. Minorities have often been excluded from drug research. Some of the factors contributing to poor mental health among minorities include poverty, segregated and disorganized communities, poor education, unemployment, stereotyping, discrimination, and poor healthcare.