The gap in the quality of life between elderly blacks and elderly whites must be closed through the joint efforts of individuals; religious and community organizations; political institutions and the private sector. Solutions are especially needed in urban areas where the minority participation rate in supportive service programs is low and decreasing. Crime, poverty, poor transportation, and unattended illnesses account for this low user rate. Specific suggestions for the alleviation of these problems include: (1) ensuring accessibility to quality health care; (2) improving housing and its affordability; (3) controlling poverty; (4) subsidizing training in geriatrics in black medical schools; (5) enhancing the recruitment of minorities into health careers; (6) monitoring for prejudice and racism toward older black people; (7) assisting the families of elderly blacks with counseling, respite services, and household help; and (8) passing legislation to assure adequate funding for all of the above. Supporting data are presented emphasizing the social and demographic contrasts between sex and race among the elderly. Testimony was submitted by representatives from medical schools and organizations for the aged and minorities, among other individuals. (VM)