Successful Aging through the Eyes of Alaska Natives: Exploring Generational Differences Among Alaska Natives

Abstract

There is very little research on Alaska Native (AN) elders and how they subjectively define a successful older age. The lack of a culturally-specific definition often results in the use of a generic definition that portrays Alaska Native elders as aging less successfully than their White counterparts. However, there is a very limited understanding of a diverse array of successful aging experiences across generations. This research explores the concept of successful aging from an Alaska Native perspective, or what it means to age well in Alaska Native communities. An adapted Explanatory Model (EM) approach was used to gain a sense of the beliefs about aging from Alaska Natives. Research findings indicate that aging successfully is based on local understandings about personal responsibility and making the conscious decision to live a clean and healthy life, abstaining from drugs and alcohol. The findings also indicate that poor aging is often characterized by a lack of personal responsibility, or not being active, not being able to handle alcohol, and giving up on oneself. Most participants stated that elder status is not determined by reaching a certain age (e.g., 65), but instead is designated when an individual has demonstrated wisdom because of the experiences he or she has gained throughout life. This research seeks to inform future studies on rural aging that prioritizes the perspectives of elders to impact positively on the delivery of health care services and programs in rural Alaska.

Successful aging: considering non-biomedical constructs

“…Qualitative studies among Alaska Natives found that successful aging was defined by participants as achieving a respected role in one’s community 22. Unsuccessful aging was defined as low activity, alcohol consumption, and loss of faith in oneself 21. Younger participants believed that their current physical health was a predictor of the ability to age successfully, whereas elders linked successful aging to the ability to maintain mental health and participate within their community 21…”

“…In the majority of the reviewed articles, engagement seemed to have a significant association with age,20 and in some cases, could be used to discriminate between those aging successfully and those who were not 21–23. Some participants indicated that engagement was the expression of a decision to maintain involvement in activities and with others, despite the challenges of health crises 29.…”

Prevalence and correlates of successful ageing: a comparative study between China and South Korea

“…Although there have been strong appeals for developing culture-specific measurement for successful ageing (e.g. Lewis 2010;Liang and Luo 2012), to date, there are no established definitions and measurements of culture-specific successful ageing for the non-western countries in current literature.…”

Cross-Cultural Comparison of Successful Aging Definitions Between Chinese and Hmong Elders in the United States

“…However, there remains a need for more research among minority elderly populations to address the needs of specific groups (Dillaway & Byrnes, 2009; Lewis, 2010). Studies from diverse Asian ethnic population groups are particularly lacking.…”