Citation

Dancy J, Wynn-Dancy ML. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1995; 19(2): 87-105.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v19n02_09

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper examines spirituality as a focus for the Black elderly's transmission of family values within the Black community. The process of aging is presented as a spiritual journey which offers the elderly opportunity for continued growth. The grandparents' roles in transmitting values through the oral tradition of story telling and proverbs remains significant within the Black community, though urban crowding has diminished their influence in more recent decades. Strengths of the Black elderly in coping with life's vicissitudes are demonstrated through their proverbs with messages of faith and hope.