Cm. Perry et Cl. Johnson, FAMILIES AND SUPPORT NETWORKS AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN OLDEST-OLD, International journal of aging & human development, 38(1), 1994, pp. 41-50
This article examines the demographic profile of oldest-old African-Am
ericans who-reside in the San Francisco Bay Area. Family life and soci
al support available from adult children, relatives, and friends are e
xplored as they vary by gender. Bivariate analyses indicate that femal
es receive more help from relatives and friends, and males receive mor
e help from immediate family members. Parent and childless respondents
were compared for instrumental supports. The childless received suppo
rt from a variety of helpers, whereas, the parents received help from
family or the formal sector. Overall, fewer family members were availa
ble to assist the oldest-old with community living, although many were
able to redefine relationships and increase the numbers of helpers av
ailable to assist them. These findings indicate that the principle of
substitution operates among some segments of the older African America
n population, primarily those who are childless. This pattern was more
evident among females than among males.