[Elderly population of Puerto Rico: Implications for health services]

This article presents an overview of the major sociodemographic health characteristics and patterns of health services utilization of older Puerto Rican adults. Comparisons between men and women are established. The elderly present and impoverished sector, have lower educational status and suffer from more chronic illnesses than the rest of the population. Women fare lower than men in terms of these variables. Implications of the challenge that the aged represent for health service delivery in Puerto Rico are discussed centered upon the fact that most elderly reside in the community and their families constitute their principal source of support.