ABSTRACT

This chapter examines aspects of living arrangements from the perspective of African American and other minority elderly. It discusses circumstances peculiar to these minority elders to clarify the concept of aging in place for these groups. The term aging in place can be understood generically as a phenomenon of long-term residency. It is the result of cohort aging in the same place of residence. The concept of aging in place is complex for the African American elderly. The combination of aging cohorts and aging housing stock leads to neighborhoods and communities that take on the identity of retirement settings. The combination of surviving to an old age, aging in place, and vulnerability to a hostile environment produces a unique level of existence that is often overwhelming for African American and other minority elders. Shelter is one of the primary needs of human beings; the assurance of adequate housing for the citizenry is one of the fundamental responsibilities of a society.