Indigenous Perspectives on Elderhood Teach Valuable Lessons for Healthy Aging

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa explores how Indigenous communities around the world define and value elderhood, emphasizing its importance in supporting healthy aging. Led by scholars Yu-Chi Kalesekes Huang and Kathryn Braun from the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, the research reviews twenty scholarly publications to highlight the ways in which elders contribute to their communities’ well-being.

The research focuses on various Indigenous populations, including Inuit, Métis, and First Nations in Canada; Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, and Native Americans in the United States; Māori in New Zealand; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia; and the Aymara in Chile. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the study identifies six common themes across these cultures:

• Elders are respected for their knowledge and role in teaching traditional customs.
• They are committed to passing down wisdom to younger generations.
• Elders actively contribute to community life.
• They provide a vision rooted in cultural traditions for the future.
• The status of elder is not necessarily tied to chronological age.
• Elders often serve as care providers within their communities.

These findings illustrate that in Indigenous thought, elderhood is a respected cultural role gained through service, wisdom, and tradition, rather than simply reaching a certain age. Supporting individuals in meeting these cultural benchmarks can promote healthier aging and strengthen community resilience.

Huang emphasizes the significance of this perspective: “In Indigenous communities, the title of 'elder' reflects ongoing cultural stewardship and community participation, which in turn fosters overall health and well-being. If an older person attains the status of elder, they are seen as having aged successfully and embodying principles of healthy aging.”

The study advocates for policymakers and community leaders to adopt culturally grounded strategies that recognize and honor the critical role of elders. Such approaches can enhance the health, resilience, and social cohesion of Indigenous populations, highlighting the importance of respecting diverse cultural definitions of aging.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-indigenous-views-elderhood-lessons-aging.html