HOUSING AND MINORITY-GROUP ELDERLY

BUILDING housing for old people, while quite a task, is only part of the problem of seeing that they are well housed. Any benefit to be derived from good housing comes from living in it, not from its physical existence in the community. Unfortunately, those in greatest need may be least likely to utilize any service the community provides. This has been pointed out not only in regard to housing (Beyer & Nierstrasz, 1967; Carp, 1966), but also in regard to medical services (Eisdorfer, 1968; Ostfeld, 1968) and senior centers (Blenkner, 1961; Wilensky, 1961). Community resources may be particularly inaccessible to members of minority groups (Moore & Holtzman, 1965). Aged members of these groups are among the most deprived persons in our society (National Council on Aging, 1967), and therefore the most in need of housing and other services. © 1969, Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.