Racial/Ethnic Diversity of Older Adults
Racial and ethnic diversity is increasing in older adults
in the United States. For example, current projections
estimate that between 2010 and 2050 the percentage of
Latino older adults will increase from 7% to 20% in our
geriatric population.4 As a society, we must be
prepared to provide services, programs, and interven-
tions that are culturally sensitive and appropriate, and
which are best designed to address this increasing
diversity. Here again, nurses and nurse scientists are at
the forefront of research efforts to inform the design of
prevention and health promotion interventions, to
ensure health equity, and to improve the health of
racially/ethnically diverse older adults. As a corollary
to this, we must also continue to invest in a geriatricnursing and research workforce that is racially and
ethnically diverse.