Illiteracy is a serious problem for older people, particularly for older minorities. Of the 23 million adults in the United States classified as functionally illiterate, 44 percent are over 50, and those 60 and over account for about one-third of the totally illiterate population. Being illiterate to whatever degree diminishes the employment potential of older adults. The Federal Government, state governments, private sector employers, and voluntary organizations fund numerous programs to provide literacy training to millions of people. However, few of these programs reach older adults and fewer still serve older minorities. Based on a review of current literacy efforts, suggested future options include the following: (1) development of literacy training programs especially designed for the older population closely linking literacy and occupational skills training; (2) improvement of teaching techniques and methods needed to meet the learning needs of older minorities; and (3) promotion of coalition building between organizations serving older minorities and literacy providers to coordinate educational, employment, and supportive services for older adults. (46 references.) (KC)