The Sangoma Project: Empowering Black Seniors for Better Health
In traditional African cultures, a Sangoma refers to a healer or respected elder who offers WISDOM, PERSPECTIVE, and TREATMENT to restore well-being. Borrowing from this powerful tradition, we want to explore practical ways to support Black seniors, helping them thrive, protect their health, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Black older adults face intersecting challenges, including higher rates of chronic illness, economic insecurity, and healthcare mistrust, that require culturally competent approaches to elder care and policy. Nearly five million older adults live on less than $1,000 a month. As a group, Black older adults experience disproportionate health obstacles due to systemic inequalities in education, healthcare access, nutritious food, safe housing, and economic opportunity. Currently, there are more than 4 million African Americans over the age of 65, a demographic projected to grow to nearly 12 million by 2060 (courtesy of the American Psychological Association).
In addition to a higher prevalence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the physical and emotional impact of systemic racism in medical settings cannot be ignored. According to the APA, there is a direct correlation between race-related stress and its physical and mental toll on Black elders.
Furthermore, generations of discriminatory housing and employment policies have limited the ability of Black seniors to build generational wealth. This has resulted in higher poverty rates in old age, a heavy reliance on Social Security, and heightened vulnerability to public assistance cuts (courtesy of Justice in Aging).
Despite these challenges, extended family networks, community kin, resilience, and spiritual support play a crucial role in providing long-term care and strength.
Practical Steps to Improve Health Outcomes
Here are actionable suggestions for elderly Black Americans and their loved ones to navigate healthcare and protect their well-being:
Navigating Healthcare:
Select culturally responsible providers:
Choose doctors through networks like BlackDoctor.org who understand unique cultural and systemic health risks.Request early screenings:
Ask for essential preventative tests, such as colonoscopies and annual blood pressure evaluations.Bring an advocate:
Bring a trusted family member or friend to appointments to take notes, ask questions, and ensure your concerns are heard.Seek clarity and options:
Ask detailed follow-up questions, and never hesitate to get a second medical opinion—it is your right.
Self-Care & Daily Monitoring:
Know your health history:
Document all chronic conditions and personal medical records.Monitor vitals at home:
Purchase an accurate blood pressure cuff and log daily readings.Keep routine appointments:
Schedule yearly preventative exams, routine dental cleanings, and eye exams.Follow prescriptions:
Take all medications exactly as prescribed by your physician.
Lifestyle & Wellness:
Watch what you eat:
Modify traditional comfort foods to make them heart-healthy.The need to recharge:
Reduce daily sodium intake and prioritize consistent nightly sleep.Remember, motion is lotion:
Increase daily physical activity and incorporate stress-reduction habits into your routine.
IN CONCLUSION: Our ultimate goal is to encourage and uplift Black seniors in whatever circumstances they find themselves. Many elderly Black adults are struggling financially or feeling isolated. If you can help an elderly neighbor by bringing them a warm meal, or visit a friend who is feeling lonely, you will make a profound difference. Caregivers are equally selfless and deserve our deep understanding and support.
Like the respected elders in an African village, every one of us can do our part to make someone’s life a little brighter. That is the true spirit of the Sangoma Project… helping one another.
~ LaVerne Wallace ( Co-Founder )
