The evidence of racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes is overwhelming. Excess rates of death, morbidity, and disability are prevalent among racial and ethnic minority elders. Effective collaboration with community organizations is a crucial component of efforts to reduce and eliminate disparities. (Contains 39 references.) (Author/JOW)

Except for life expectancy, older women are relatively disadvantaged in terms of living arrangements, income, health, and medical care. Although often lumped together in research, older women and men have vastly different personal and social resources and problems. (SK)