Ethnicity and Geriatric Psychiatry

We are witnessing a demographic explosion of diversity in our elderly population. It is anticipated by 2050 that the proportion of African American and Hispanic elders in the United States will approximately double and triple, respectively. 1 Racial and ethnic minority elders are also confronted with health disparities resulting in subsequent poorer health than their white counterparts. It is therefore critical to increase our awareness and knowledge of health issues related to racial and ethnic minorities. The lead articles for this theme issue— Ethnicity and Geriatric Psychiatry— offer exciting new data on mental health disorders among older ethnic minorities and older African Americans in particular. 2– 4