Ethnic elders and their needs

The proportion of ethnic minority individuals over the age of 65 is increasing in the UK. This will lead to a concomitant increase in the absolute number of cases of dementia and depression among ethnic minority elders. The epidemiology of suicide in ethnic minority elders is also changing with some ethnic minority elderly groups at higher risk of suicide than previously thought. Despite the prevalence of dementia and depression being similar or higher in ethnic minority groups than the indigenous group, and ethnic minority elders having high general practice consultation rates, the prevalence of ethnic minority elders in contact with Old Age Psychiatry Services is low. Several factors may explain this discrepancy, including factors related to patients and their families, general practice and secondary care. However, there is evidence that this gloomy situation may be improving in some services. Old Age Psychiatry Services for ethnic minority elders should be integrated with existing ethnocentric services, should be flexible, have an ability to adapt to changing needs, be culturally sensitive and be available, accessible and acceptable to ethnic minority elders.