This field hearing by the House Select Committee on Aging produced testimony on the mental health problems and service delivery needs of American Indian and Hispanic American elderly. A director of research and two American Indian advocates: (1) pointed out the high rate of depression among Indian elderly due to physical impairments and deprived living conditions; (2) described service-related and cultural factors contributing to low use of mental health services by Indian elderly; (3) outlined the specific problems and stresses of urban Indians; and (4) proposed legislative and service delivery strategies. A Colorado state official outlined barriers to delivery of mental health services to Hispanic elderly. An Hispanic advocate emphasized the need for outreach programs with bilingual, bicultural staff. The panel of witnesses discussed: (1) the need for home health agencies and community-based services for Hispanic and Indian elderly; (2) language and cultural barriers between generations, resulting intergenerational conflict, and mental health consequences for the elderly; and (3) the right of each tribe to its own definition of "Indian." The Committee Chairman called for Indian organizations to collaborate and draft legislative proposals covering the relevant needs of the Indian community, and asked Hispanic organizations to do likewise. Testimony from four mental health professionals covered funding issues, training to provide culturally sensitive outreach staff, and the particular problems and needs of the rural elderly. (SV)