Quality-of-life measurements among inner-city black older people
Description
Much research has been conducted in social gerontology over the past two decades. This research has challenged many prevalent myths and sterotypic notions about aging, and has also led to the implementation of local services and programs to meet the needs of aging adults Yet, systematic knowledge of ethnic differences and similarities in the aging process is lacking in social gerontological research (Bengtson, 1979; Cantor, 1976; Jackson, 1971). It is not known, for instance if structural and psychological determinants of life satisfaction among aging blacks differ significantly from those of the dominant population group. Nor it is known what effects lifelong poverty has on successful aging. Does poverty deprive its victims of successful aging, or does lifelong poverty serve to equip its victims with those necessary coping skills with which to age successfully? Several major morale indices and their modifications have been used to measure successful aging among older people. However little research has been undertaken with inner-city elderly minorities; consequently, no scale has been constructed or adapted that shows sensitivity to unique historical experiences or cultural differences among these population groups. The primary aims of this research are to (1) examine the appropriateness of the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A) for measuring successful aging among black inner-city older people, and to (2) construct a morale index, drawing from Kutner Moral Scale, the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A), and others to measure successful aging among black inner-city older people. Also, an instrument to measure religiosity, and a second one to measure specific value orientations will be constructed. These instruments will be suitable for social science research among this population group In addition, the research will develop suggestions for policy modification and formulation based on the needs and experiences of the aged inner-city black population