OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether, among older adults (>65 years), a perception that their basic needs are not being met increased mortality risk and whether this risk varied by race/ethnicity. METHODS: We used Cox proportional hazards modeling to estimate the effect of perceived inadequacy in having one's basic needs (adequacy of income, quality of housing, and neighborhood safety) met on 10-year mortality rates. RESULTS: After control for age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income, and cognitive and functional status at baseline, perceived inadequacy in having one's basic needs met was shown to be a significant predictor of mortality (P<.0001), but no significant differences by race/ethnicity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived inadequacy in having one's basic needs met predicted mortality during a 10-year follow-up among community-dwelling elderly persons.