California’s population is aging. By 2030, 18 percent of the state will be 65 or older. More significantly, this population will be increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. Current projections suggest that 52% of these older adults will be members of a minority group.

This demographic shift is likely to have a profound impact on California, with studies projecting increased older adult poverty rates, rising health-care costs for the elderly, and significant long-term care shortages.

No population is expected to be harder hit than African Americans.

Disproportionate rates of chronic illness and dementia among African Americans will increase the reliance on family caregivers and the need for community-based supports. Meanwhile, a lack of culturally sensitive services and awareness of available resources pose barriers to access and use.

Studies have shown that African Americans have higher rates of dementia than both Latinos and whites, and face the highest risk of Alzheimer’s disease when compared to any other racial or ethnic group — three times as high, in fact.

These racial disparities also extend to diagnosis and treatment, with African Americans far less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or prescribed approved treatments.

Yet these higher rates of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are just the tip of the iceberg for aging African-Americans. Another major challenge is caring for this group.

Read more in California Health Report.