Successful Aging: A View from Alaska Native Elders

Scholars over the years have defined “successful aging” in a variety of ways.  Some say that successful aging implies lack of disease and disability. (1) Others report that successful aging is more of a “state of being…a process of continuous adaptation.”(2 p. 2694) More recently, researchers reported that successful aging is associated with having some sense of control over one’s life, good health, and feelings of well-being.(3) 

Successful aging can also be defined in cultural and societal terms.  For example, Western society seems to focus on many negative aspects of aging, such as chronic illness, wrinkles and loss of independence.  Therefore, successful aging would mean avoiding wrinkles, staying in control and independent, and avoiding chronic disease.  

According to Jordan Lewis, Native Alaskan elders view aging quite differently.  Dr. Lewis interviewed 26 older adults (aged 61-93) from Aleut, Athabascan and Yup’ik Eskimo tribes who live in Bristol Bay, Alaska. His interviewees reported that “successful aging can be defined as becoming an Elder, that is, achieving a respected role in one’s community…”(4 p. 5)

“Eldership” included these elements: 1. emotional well-being; 2. community engagement; 3. spirituality; and 4. physical health.

Emotional well-being included having a positive attitude, even in the face of hardships.  To these Elders, emotional well-being was fed by making good life choices (e.g., choosing to abstain from alcohol and drugs), having a relationship with a “higher power,”having goals to focus on, raising a family, and serving as role models. 

Community engagement was a very important part of “successful aging” and being deemed an “Elder.” Community involvement included serving on Elder councils, providing wisdom based upon experience. In addition, Elders felt it was their responsibility to pass down their knowledge of Native traditions to the young people in the community. 

The Elders interviewed also reported that spirituality or religion (mostly Russian Orthodox) guided choices for healthy living and successful aging. Elders stated that their spirituality contributed to their emotional well-being (it reduced worries) and some reported that they prayed for family and community all day. For many, Western religion was interwoven with traditional Native beliefs. 

Interestingly, Elders strongly felt that attitude (being positive) was associated with attaining good physical health. Healthy lifestyle activities that foster successful aging included eating a traditional diet (high in fish and other local resources), being as active as possible (fishing, participating in community projects), and abstaining from alcohol and illegal drugs. Elders also felt it was still possible to age positively even when one had an illness or disability. 

This Alaskan community values its elders, and supports those activities that bring about “successful aging." Elderhood in Bristol Bay is a traditional model of “successful aging” that has many benefits.  Perhaps it is time for all of us to take a look at this model and try it on for size.  



Constance McCloy, EdD, PT
Associate Professor


References:

(1) Rowe JW, Kahn RL. Human aging: Unusual and successful. Science.  1987;237:143-149.

(2) Faber et al. Successful aging in the oldest old. Arch Int Med. 2001; 161:2694-2700.

(3) Knappe S, Pinquart M. Tracing criteria of successful aging: health locus of control and well-being in older patients with internal diseases. Psychology, Health and Medicine. 2009; 14:201-212.

(4) Lewis JP. Successful aging through the eyes of Alaska Native Elders. What it means to be an Elder in Bristol Bay, AK. The Gerontologist. 2011:1-8.