Literature on the criminal victimization of, & the perpetration of crimes by, ethnic minority elders is reviewed. Older persons are disproportionately represented among suicide victims. Both suicides & homicides committed by the elderly tend to be private, occurring at home or in familiar surroundings. Any thoroughgoing approach to remedying victimization of the elderly must also treat the problems of young males (aged 15-24 years) who frequently perpetrate crimes against the elderly. (24 refs.)