%0 Journal Article %J Qual Health Res %D 2013 %T The importance of optimism in maintaining healthy aging in rural Alaska. %A Lewis, Jordan P %K Aged %K Aged, 80 and over %K Aging %K Alaska %K Culture %K Educational Status %K Emotions %K Female %K Health Status %K Humans %K Indians, North American %K Interpersonal Relations %K Interviews as Topic %K Male %K Middle Aged %K Qualitative Research %K Rural Population %K Spirituality %X

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.

%B Qual Health Res %V 23 %P 1521-7 %8 2013 Nov %G eng %N 11 %R 10.1177/1049732313508013 %0 Journal Article %J Gerontologist %D 2011 %T Successful aging through the eyes of Alaska Native elders. What it means to be an elder in Bristol Bay, AK. %A Lewis, Jordan P %K Aged %K Aged, 80 and over %K Aging %K Alaska %K Culture %K Emotions %K Health Status %K Humans %K Indians, North American %K Interviews as Topic %K Male %K Mental Health %K Middle Aged %K Qualitative Research %K Rural Population %K Socioeconomic Factors %K Spirituality %X

PURPOSE: Alaska Natives (ANs) view aging from a holistic perspective, which is not typical of the existing successful aging literature. One of the challenges of conducting research with cultural groups (e.g., ANs) is the lack of data, or research, on culture and aging and its impact on how we view successful aging. This research explores successful aging from an AN perspective or what it means to reach "Eldership" in rural Alaskan communities, which is an area of successful aging where there is very little research.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were gathered from 26 elders aged 61-93 years in 6 Bristol Bay communities in Southwest Alaska. An Explanatory Model approach was used and adapted to gain a sense of the beliefs about aging and establish an indigenous understanding of successful aging or what it means to attain "Eldership."

RESULTS: Rather than establishing a definition of successful aging for AN Elders, this study highlights the four elements of "Eldership" or what AN Elders believe are important characteristics to becoming a respected elder. The four elements of "Eldership" are emotional well-being, community engagement, spirituality, and physical health, which are the characteristics of ANs who have reached "Eldership" and become a respected Elder in their community.

IMPLICATIONS: This research seeks to inform studies on indigenous aging that prioritizes the perspectives of elders to affect positively on the delivery of health care services in rural Alaska.

%B Gerontologist %V 51 %P 540-9 %8 2011 Aug %G eng %N 4 %R 10.1093/geront/gnr006 %0 Journal Article %J J Cross Cult Gerontol %D 2010 %T Successful aging through the eyes of Alaska Natives: exploring generational differences among Alaska Natives. %A Lewis, Jordan P %K Adult %K Aged %K Aged, 80 and over %K Aging %K Alaska %K Culture %K Female %K Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice %K Humans %K Indians, North American %K Intergenerational Relations %K Male %K Middle Aged %K Models, Theoretical %K Qualitative Research %K Rural Population %X

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.

%B J Cross Cult Gerontol %V 25 %P 385-96 %8 2010 Dec %G eng %N 4 %R 10.1007/s10823-010-9124-8