ABSTRACT Older African Americans’ spirituality is explored to provide an understanding of the African American’s legacy of reliance on the Black church as part of their belief system. This explanation constructs a foundation for understanding the older African American’s reliance on the Black church for aid,spiritual sustenance and support. This review is important for helping social workers who are providing support and practice interventions for these clients. Also, it provides an explanation of how religious and spiritual leaders offer care to older African Americans. A framework to assist Social Workers in understanding this population is provided along with highlighting the importance of connection and attunement to the older African American’s spiritual values and needs. This creates a meaningful relationship not only with the individual client but also with their church community. The significance of helping the less fortunate, and building a level of trust and social supports is also highlighted. Key words: Black Church, Older African Americans, social workers, slavery, spirituality, social support

中文翻译：

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年长的非裔美国成年人：了解黑人教会在社区中的支持作用

摘要 探讨了年长的非裔美国人的灵性，以了解非裔美国人依赖黑人教会作为他们信仰体系的一部分的遗产。这种解释为理解年长的非裔美国人对黑人教会的援助、精神寄托和支持的依赖奠定了基础。该审查对于帮助为这些客户提供支持和实践干预的社会工作者很重要。此外，它还解释了宗教和精神领袖如何照顾年长的非裔美国人。提供了一个帮助社会工作者了解这一人群的框架，同时强调了与年长的非裔美国人的精神价值观和需求的联系和协调的重要性。这不仅与个别客户而且与他们的教会社区建立了有意义的关系。还强调了帮助不幸的人以及建立一定程度的信任和社会支持的重要性。关键词：黑人教会，老年非裔美国人，社会工作者，奴隶制，灵性，社会支持