ABSTRACT
In this chapter, 'shortchanging' implies that inequalities in society extend to a particular group of older people who may be vulnerable in old age. It has been argued that many older people from black and minority ethnic groups are at a special risk of being shortchanged in that they experience both the financial and emotional pressures of living in an ageist and a racist society. The 'commonsense' assumption throughout is that minority elders do not experience stress as a result of low income or racism; if they did so they would get in touch with services or that the extended family would look after them. The environmental context in which poverty is experienced has a profound impact on the well being of minority older people. Environmental problems such as damp, cold and high noise levels are known to be linked to high levels of anxiety and depression.
