ABSTRACT
Minority elders are present throughout rural communities in the U.S.; however, there is a greater presence of minority populations in some areas than others. As the population continues to age, the communities in which they dwell will be more reflective of the emerging diversity and aging of our nation. Minority elders face both special challenges as well as opportunities as a result of dwelling in rural communities. The presence of community-dwelling rural minority elders highlights the importance of ensuring that various resources are in place to meet the needs of this group of individuals. Any programs target rural elders generally, and rural minority elders specifically, will need to account for the unique opportunities working with such populations represent and ensure mechanisms are in place to sustain those efforts. Innovative methods must be utilized to address the unique physical and mental health-care needs of rural elders, particularly related to screenings and diagnosis.
