Jordan P. Lewis

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

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.

The Role of the Social Engagement in the Definition of Successful Ageing among Alaska Native Elders in Bristol Bay, Alaska

This article explores the role of social engagement (family and community support) in Alaska Native (AN) Elders’ definitions of successful ageing, why social engagement is important to the health and well-being of AN Elders. In terms of methods, each tribal council nominated AN Elders, ranging in age from 61 to 93 years old, resulting in a purposive sample of 25. Interviews consisted of open- and closed-ended questions, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. Content analysis was used to find recurring themes and infer meaning from the data and understand the ageing process in rural Alaska. The Elders discussed the importance of family and community, not only as a source of support but also as part of their culture and identity. Family support provided them with meaningful roles in their family, which contributed to their well-being, optimism and generative behaviours. Community support involved Elders’ inclusion in community events and activities and feeling they were supported and meaningfully engaged by their community. The themes in this study highlight the importance of social engagement for AN Elders. This study suggests that perhaps more focus should be placed on social engagement of AN Elders to ensure successful ageing and not just physical and mental health conditions. This Indigenous psychology perspective on positive ageing may serve as a point of dialogue with future First Nations studies of generativity in old age globally.

The Importance of Optimism in Maintaining Healthy Aging in Rural Alaska

Many Alaska Native Elders attended government-run boarding schools as children, were forbidden to speak their native language, and were forced to abandon their traditional subsistence lifestyle, yet they maintained an optimistic outlook on life and continued to age well. The Explanatory Model Interview Protocol was adapted to interview a purposive sample of Alaska Native Elders (n = 26) and grounded theory was used to develop a model of successful aging for Alaska Native Elders in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The theme of optimism was significant in the findings and was also found in each of the elements of successful aging, which were spirituality, emotional well-being, community engagement, and physical health. These four elements served as the foundation of the Model of Successful Aging. The Elders believed they were able to age successfully because they continued to be optimistic despite the challenges they faced (and are currently facing) in their communities.

Alaska Native Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren A Rural Community Story

We used community-based participatory research with four tiers of governance and grounded theory methods to examine the lives of Alaska Native grandparents rearing grandchildren in a rural community. We explored the reasons Native grandparents reared or are rearing their grandchildren, challenges rearing grandchildren, and the joys of grandparenthood. We used their words to broaden the grandparenting research by focusing solely on Native People living in a rural, arctic climate. Culture, values, and traditions explain the unique reasons grandparents cared for their grandchildren; values and common concerns of all grandparents describe the challenges of grandparenthood; pride and joy, the value of love, and traditional ways of living made clear the joys of Alaska Native grandparents rearing their grandchildren. After the discussion, we offer considerations for future research.

The future of successful aging in Alaska

Background There is a paucity of research on Alaska Natives and their views on whether or not they believe they will age successfully in their home and community. There is limited understanding of aging experiences across generations. Objective This research explores the concept of successful aging from an urban Alaska Native perspective and explores whether or not they believe they will achieve a healthy older age. Design A cultural consensus model (CCM) approach was used to gain a sense of the cultural understandings of aging among young Alaska Natives aged 50 years and younger. Results Research findings indicate that aging successfully is making the conscious decision to live a clean and healthy life, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but some of Alaska Natives do not feel they will age well due to lifestyle factors. Alaska Natives see the inability to age well as primarily due to the decrease in physical activity, lack of availability of subsistence foods and activities, and the difficulty of living a balanced life in urban settings. Conclusions This research seeks to inform future studies on successful aging that incorporates the experiences and wisdom of Alaska Natives in hopes of developing an awareness of the importance of practicing a healthy lifestyle and developing guidelines to assist others to age well.

“I'm in this world for a reason”: Resilience and recovery among American Indian and Alaska Native two-spirit women

ABSTRACT American Indian and Alaska Native sexual minority (two-spirit) women are vulnerable to substance misuse and mental health challenges due to multiple minority oppressed status and exposure to stress and trauma. Yet, these women find pathways toward healing and wellness. We conducted a qualitative data analysis of interviews derived from a national health study and gained an understanding of 11 two-spirit womens resilience and recovery patterns. Emergent from the data, a braided resiliency framework was developed which elucidates multilayered abilities, processes, and resources involved in their resiliency. We recommend that resilience-promoting strategies be incorporated into substance misuse and mental health interventions.

Sobriety and alcohol use among rural Alaska Native elders

Background Although notable health disparities related to alcohol use persist among Alaska Native people living in rural communities, there is a paucity of research examining drinking behaviour in particular segments of this population, including elders. One explanation for this is the distrust of behavioural health research in general and alcohol research in particular following the legacy of the Barrow Alcohol Study, still regarded as a notable example of ethics violations in cross-cultural research. Objective The present study reports findings from one of the first research studies asking directly about alcohol abuse among rural Alaska Natives (AN) since the study in Barrow took place in 1979. Design We report findings regarding self-reported alcohol use included in an elder needs assessment conducted with 134 Alaska Native elders from 5 rural villages off the road system in Alaska. Data were collected in partnership between academic researchers and community members in accordance with the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research. Results Findings showed very high rates of sobriety and low rates of alcohol use, contradicting stereotypes of widespread alcohol abuse among AN. Possible explanations and future research directions are discussed. Conclusions This research represents one step forward in mending academic-community relationships in rural Alaska to further research on alcohol use and related health disparities.Background Although notable health disparities related to alcohol use persist among Alaska Native people living in rural communities, there is a paucity of research examining drinking behaviour in particular segments of this population, including elders. One explanation for this is the distrust of behavioural health research in general and alcohol research in particular following the legacy of the Barrow Alcohol Study, still regarded as a notable example of ethics violations in cross-cultural research. Objective The present study reports findings from one of the first research studies asking directly about alcohol abuse among rural Alaska Natives (AN) since the study in Barrow took place in 1979. Design We report findings regarding self-reported alcohol use included in an elder needs assessment conducted with 134 Alaska Native elders from 5 rural villages off the road system in Alaska. Data were collected in partnership between academic researchers and community members in accordance with the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research. Results Findings showed very high rates of sobriety and low rates of alcohol use, contradicting stereotypes of widespread alcohol abuse among AN. Possible explanations and future research directions are discussed. Conclusions This research represents one step forward in mending academic–community relationships in rural Alaska to further research on alcohol use and related health disparities.

Dementia Care with Black and Latino Families: A Social Work Problem-Solving Approach, by Delia Gonzalez Sanders and Richard H. Fortinsky

This book provides guidance for social workers working with Black and Latino caregivers and their loved ones, using the ecological framework. In addition, the book provides guidance for social workers working with caregivers around ethnic specific guidelines for both social workers and family members in seeking and receiving assistance; recommendations to ease the caregiver burden for family members; and future directions for dementia care for Black and Latino families and their loved ones. The book is well researched with comprehensive, up-to-date information on resources; policy recommendations; and theory and practice skills. The authors also integrate culturally appropriate methods and literature from different disciplines. Using the ecological framework as the foundation of the book, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of dementia care for the readers, detailing the complex and integrated systems these families can use as forms of support, such as family, neighborhood, community, and government supports. In comparison to other books in this field, this text stands apart in its rich details, use of case studies in each chapter, timely and relevant resources, and specific focus on Black and Latino family caregivers and their loved ones. The strengths of this book include the authors’ use of case studies to illustrate the skills and recommendations at the start of each chapter; they provide more context to the theories, skills, and tools being discussed in each chapter and how they would relate to the social worker and family member in any given situation. In addition, the use of actual assessment tools accompanied with a case study helps the reader better understand the importance of being thorough in the assessment process, using an ecological model, and paying attention to the details associated with each layer in caregiver relationships. This text also covers in detail the skills and training required of both the social workers working with these families and the family caregivers providing the care, which gives the text a balance. This book provides practical guidelines and recommendations for family caregivers on how to work effectively with their loved ones, understand social workers’

“We Raise our Grandchildren as our Own:” Alaska Native Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Southwest Alaska

This study explores continuity and change in the roles of rural Alaska Native grandparents, describing their importance in contemporary Yup’ik social life and structure. The study is distinctive in its focus on the experiences of Yup’ik grandparents who are primary caregivers raising their grandchildren in Southwest Alaska. Qualitative data were gathered using a semi-structured interview from 20 Yup’ik grandparents, ages 46 to 95, who raised their grandchildren as the primary caregiver for at least one year. Content analysis was used to establish a culturally grounded understanding of the role of a grandparent raising grandchildren and meanings of these roles to Yup’ik grandparents. Findings reveal areas of continuity and change in the role and place of grandparents in Yup’ik families and communities. Important continuities persist in the role of Yup’ik grandparents, who continue to be a vital resource within their families and communities. As in the past, the grandparent role is essential in passing down cultural knowledge, upholding traditional Yup’ik values and teachings, and facilitating development of a strong and healthy cultural identity among youth. However, significant change has taken place within Yup’ik communities as a result of Western colonization. Grandparent roles are also shifting and expanding as a result of these changes, as part of an adaptive community response to ensure the safety and well-being of youth during times of great change and disruption.