Differences in health outcomes between racial groups?

• A. Decisional Capacity
• B. Informed Consent
• C. Racial Disparity
• D. Community Support

Answer: (C)

Differences in health outcomes between racial groups are best described by health disparities. This term captures the systematic, avoidable gaps in health status, access to care, and outcomes that arise from social determinants and structural inequities affecting different racial groups. In geriatric care, recognizing these disparities helps explain why some older adults experience higher disease burden, poorer access to services, and worse outcomes. The other terms don’t describe differences in outcomes by race: decisional capacity is about understanding and making a choice, informed consent is about agreeing to care after being informed, and community support refers to social resources available to a person.