Ethnicity, self-reported illness and use of medical services by the elderly.

Analysis of ethnic differences in disease is complicated by the fact that culture has an effect on whether people identify themselves as ill and how often they use medical services. This paper cities evidence to show that use of selected medical services by older members of ethnic groups appears to be high. Although a relatively high amount of disease among minority ethnic groups partly accounts for this, additional explanations--notably, cultural perceptions of doctors and aspects of the ageing migrant's position in society--are suggested.

Health and illness among the elderly of minority ethnic groups living in Birmingham: some new findings.

The number of people over pensionable age who are of ethnic minority (New Commonwealth) origin is increasing rapidly. A limited survey of 348 Afro-Caribbean and Asian elderly people and 52 elderly Europeans living in Birmingham was recently carried out to investigate, among other things, their health and use of health services. The main survey findings on the proportions of the elderly needing to visit their doctors or go to hospital for treatment, the proportions suffering problems of sight, hearing and walking or having dental problems, and other indicators of health and illness are briefly discussed in this paper.