Research Goal C: Reduce Health Disparities Among Older Persons and Populations

Health disparities are associated with a broad, complex, and interrelated array of factors. Risk factors, diagnosis, progression, response to treatment, caregiving, and overall quality of life may each be affected by aspects such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), age, education, occupation, and as yet unknown lifetime and lifestyle differences. For example, a recent multiethnic epidemiologic study indicated that prevalence rates for Alzheimer's disease may be higher for African-Americans and Hispanics than for other ethnic groups. Another study found a striking relationship between SES, health, and longevity. Gender differences in health and longevity are observed across racial and ethnic groups. Understanding these differences and interactions is critical for developing behavioral and public health interventions to reduce burdens of illness and increase quality of life.

Subgoal 1: Increase Active Life Expectancy and Improve Health Status for Older Minority Individuals

Subgoal 2: Understand Health Differences Associated With Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Environment, Socioeconomic Status, Geography, and Culture

Subgoal 3: Monitor Health, Economic Status, and Life Quality of Elders and Inform Policy