Age and health perceptions among elderly blacks

1. By the year 2000, minority group members will comprise 20% of the total elderly population. Three million blacks will be 65 years or older by that time. 2. Many health-care providers have limited knowledge, experience, or understanding of the minority perspective as it relates to those decisions that influence the health and illness behaviors of this underserved group. 3. A person's self-perception of his physical and mental abilities, as well as his own health status, will influence his willingness to seek and accept help. 4. Interacting with the black elderly about age and health perceptions can allow nurses to demonstrate personal interest, obtain pertinent health-related data, and gain insights into the coping strategies that these individuals have successfully used for long periods.