This book provides a systematic overview of the status and life situations of elderly black Americans. Based on an empirical national survey, the contributors examine the major substantive issues related to psychological and social dimensions of ageing from a perspective that addresses the population's special circumstances and strengths. Sections are devoted to community, friends and family; church and religion; health, social functioning and well-being; group identity and political participation; and retirement and work.

Roles and Resources of the Black Elderly - James S Jackson, Robert Joseph Taylor and Linda M Chatters PART ONE: COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY Neighborhoods and Neighbor Relations - Rukmalie Jayakody Crime Stress, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction - John L McAdoo Gender, Marital, Familial, and Friendship Roles - Robert Joseph Taylor, Verna M Keith and M Belinda Tucker Intergenerational Support - Linda M Chatters and Robert Joseph Taylor

The Provision of Assistance to Parents by Adult Children Intimate Partnerships - Eleanor Engram and Shirley A Lockery PART TWO: CHURCH AND RELIGION Religion and Religious Observances - Robert Joseph Taylor Function and Supportive Roles of Church and Religion - Jacqueline M Smith PART THREE: HEALTH, SOCIAL FUNCTIONING, AND WELL BEING Physical Health - Mary McKinney Edmonds Health Disability and Its Consequences for Subjective Stress - Linda M Chatters Mental Health and Help-Seeking Behavior - Ruth L Greene, James S Jackson and Harold W Neighbors PART FOUR: GROUP IDENTITY AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION Identity and Consciousness - Robert J Smith and Michael C Thornton

Group Solidarity Group Consciousness and Political Behavior - Ronald E Brown and Rupert W Barnes-Nacoste Demographic and Religious Correlates of Voting Behavior - Robert Joseph Taylor and Michael C Thornton PART FIVE: RETIREMENT AND WORK The Black Americans Who Keep Working - Lerita M Coleman The Black American Retirement Experience - Rose C Gibson PART SIX: LIFE COURSE OF AFRICAN AMERICANS Status and Functioning of Future Cohorts of African American Elderly - James S Jackson, Linda M Chatters and Robert Joseph Tay lor

Conclusions and Speculations