The number of elderly blacks is increasing at a substantially faster rate than either the general population or the elderly white population. Older blacks tend to have lower incomes, greater health problems, and higher incidence of widowhood than comparable whites or younger blacks. The median income of older blacks remained at only two-thirds of the income of elderly whites between 1967 and 1977, a disparity reflecting limited employment opportunities, a higher concentration in lower paying jobs during younger working years, and a higher concentration in jobs not covered by Social Security prior to 1950. In 1977, the average life expectancy of blacks and other minorities at birth was estimated to be shorter than for whites. Compared to their white counterparts, older blacks appear to suffer more from the effects of chronic health conditions and other illnesses and injuries, to be the victims of hyper- tension more frequently, and to have a higher mortality rate. However, for ages 80 and over, the mortality rate of blacks is lower than that of whites. (NBR)