The growing diversity of the U.S. population is reflected by the racial and ethnic distribution of women across age groups. The younger female population (under 15 years) is significantly more diverse than the older female population. In 2005, 58.6 percent of females under 15 years were non-Hispanic White, while 20.9 percent of that group were Hispanic. Among women aged 65 years and older, in contrast, 80.9 percent were non-Hispanic White and only 6.5 percent were Hispanic. The distribution of the Black population was more consistent across age groups, ranging from 15.3 percent of females under 15 years to 9.0 percent of women aged 65 years and older.

Evidence indicates that race and ethnicity correlate with health disparities within the U.S. population. Coupled with the increasing diversity of the U.S. population, these health disparities make culturally-appropriate, community-driven programs critical to improving the health of the entire U.S. population.¹

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Minority Health. Disease burden and risk factors. April 4, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/omh/AMH/dbrf.htm. Viewed 4/16/07.

> Vertical Bar Graph: U.S. Female Population, by Age and Race/Ethnicity, 2005