k as two distinct yet intertwined entities. She has been an active member in the same “Christian family” for the past fifty-four years. Eventhough most of the faces have changed, the same core values remain in this community. She emphasized that the “church is a vital part of her life.” She described the second part of her social support network as her “immediate family.” She explained that her immediate family has changed from her first husband to her second husband. This change in husbands naturally involves a change in in-laws and other secondary family members. I asked Maxine to explain how these two different support networks are intertwined. She recounted the story of “meeting Curtis (her current husband) in a Sunday school class shortly after Cecil’s death.” This courtship and marriage is ultimate commitment to her “almost life long Christian community.” SummaryMaxine Killen represents a role model of a healthy senior. She was the only child of a simple blue-collar family. She has prevailed through tremendous personal tragedy. Her mother’ battle with vascular disease and her first husband’s, seven year battle with Alzheimer’s forced her to become a primary care giver. The death of her son forced her to learn to grieve and recover. Despite these devastating events, she maintains a healthy mind, body and soul. Maxine attributes her current good health and good attitude to her commitment to daily exercise, good diet, and prayer. Maxine further demonstrates her strength and commitment to “being the best she can be” through her desire to “keep up with society.” This is demonstrated through her eagerness to learn to use a computer and her utiilization of the Internet and E-mail. However, the common theme Maxine discussed during the interviews was her love and dedication to her “Christian family.” He...
