Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity

The number of older racial and ethnic minority individuals in the United States is increasing and will continue to grow well into the 21st century. Given this demographic shift, it is imperative that the understanding of the experiences and needs of racial and ethnic minority older adults be considered within the context of culture. Older adults' cultural perspective—which may include socioeconomic status, particular views about physical and mental illness, the role of family, and spiritual or religious beliefs—may influence their perceptions of and reactions to the use of support services, the caregiving–care recipient roles, and other aspects of the aging experience. Consideration of the cultural context can assist healthcare professionals in understanding diverse health behavior patterns as well as health and service needs in order to provide culturally competent care. Keywords: cultural difference; cultural diversity; ethnicity; race