One historical response of African American peoples has been to establish community-based mechanisms of support that could buffer the shock of long- term discrimination on the individual. Medical anthropologist Jane Peterson draws upon her experience as a professional nurse and explores the participation of older women in both extended family and church-based care systems in an African American community in Seattle, Washington.

RELATED RESOURCES

Nguyen, A. 2018. “African American Elders, Mental Health, and the Role of the Church.” Generations.” 42: 2: 61-67(7).

Harvey, I. 2008. “Spiritual Beliefs and Illness Management among Older African Amer- ican Men.” African American Perspectives 10(1). Available online at: www. rcgd.isr.umich.edu/prba.