OUR WAYS ARE A GIFT: NATIVE WAYS OF LIFE AND SPIRITUALITY AMONG ALASKA NATIVE ELDERS
2024
Spirituality and Aging Among Alaska Native Elders
Sample size: 162
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Lena Thompson, Steffi Kim, Jordan Lewis
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota Duluth
Hypothesis
Spirituality plays a significant role in the successful aging of Alaska Native Elders.
Conclusion
Spirituality contributes to maintaining a positive and healthy life for Alaska Native Elders.
Supporting Evidence
- Spirituality tends to increase in importance as one ages.
- Spirituality is a guiding principle of aging well.
- Elders practiced different forms of spirituality, including prayer and spending time on the land.
- Spirituality is self-defined and differs from organized religion.
Takeaway
As people get older, feeling spiritual can help them live better lives, especially for Alaska Native Elders.
Methodology
The study involved 162 qualitative interviews analyzed using thematic analysis.
Participant Demographics
Alaska Native Elders from over 21 rural and urban communities across Alaska.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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