Fall 2009: ISER Lunchtime Seminar: "Growing old successfully: Alaska Native elders in Southwest Alaska"

Today, Oct. 8, noon-1 p.m.
ISER conference room

Please join us today, Oct. 8, from noon to 1 p.m. for an informal presentation at UAA's Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER). It's a way for ISER researchers and others from the public and private sectors to talk about topics of interest. Thursday's topic is:

Growing Old Successfully: Perspectives of Alaska Native Elders in Southwest Alaska, presented by Jordan Lewis, assistant professor of Alaska Native Studies, Alaska Native Studies Department, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

What does it take to reach a healthy and satisfying old age in the United States? A number of researchers have looked at that question -- but earlier research doesn't take into account the specific, culturally defined perspective on aging of Alaska Native people.

Jordan Lewis, an assistant professor of Alaska Native Studies at UAF, has just completed a study of successful aging from the perspective of Alaska Native elders in six communities in Southwest Alaska. Through interviews and focus groups, Dr. Lewis learned what it takes to age successfully, in the eyes of Alaska Native elders -- what enables them to remain active, care for their families and take part in community activities.

By increasing information about aging in Alaska Native communities, this research is intended to help improve delivery of health-care services and programs in rural Alaska.

Dr. Lewis has traveled across the U.S. and in other countries, talking about his work on Alaska Native aging and cultural resilience. The American Public Health Association recently awarded him its 2009 national award for aging and rural health research. Come to ISER to hear about his work. Details are available on the ISER Web site. If you have questions, call (907) 786-7710.