HONOLULU (United States): A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research team has published findings that offer a broader understanding of how Indigenous communities define elderhood and how that role supports healthy aging and community well-being. The work draws on a review of 20 scholarly publications encompassing diverse Indigenous populations in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. The study identifies elderhood as a role rooted in cultural knowledge, community service and inter-generational responsibility, rather than chronological age, offering insights for public health and ageing policy.
Researchers analyzed existing literature on Indigenous conceptions of elderhood among groups including Inuit, Métis, First Nations, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Aymara. Across these cultures, the study found elders are respected not simply for growing older but for their knowledge of tradition, active participation in community life, commitment to passing down wisdom and ability to envision a future anchored in cultural values. The findings challenge dominant ageing frameworks that equate ageing success solely with physical health or economic measures, emphasizing the social and cultural dimensions of ageing in Indigenous societies.
The report identifies six common themes in Indigenous definitions of elderhood: respect for lived experience and traditional knowledge; sustained contribution to community well-being; inter-generational teaching and mentorship; a future-oriented vision grounded in tradition; care roles including support for family members; and the fact that age alone is not a defining criterion. The researchers argue that these dimensions underscore the importance of elderhood as a cultural institution that fosters resilience and wellbeing within Indigenous populations. They note that recognizing the social and cultural contributions of elders can enhance understanding of healthy ageing beyond biomedical models.
In a statement, the researchers underscored the essential role that Indigenous elders play in preserving cultural traditions and strengthening community health. According to the study, when older individuals are recognized as elders based on community respect and cultural stewardship, this status is seen as embodying successful ageing. The research suggests that supporting pathways for individuals to attain elderhood through community engagement and cultural leadership can contribute to healthier outcomes for ageing populations.
The study’s insights have implications for policymakers and community leaders seeking to design ageing-related services and programs. The researchers recommend culturally grounded approaches that honor and integrate Indigenous perspectives on ageing and community roles for elders. Such approaches may involve prioritizing inter-generational exchange, supporting traditional practices that engage elders, and re-framing public health strategies to reflect cultural definitions of well-being.
The research was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and highlights the need for broader recognition of Indigenous frameworks in discussions of ageing and health equity. By grounding policy in culturally informed concepts of elderhood, communities and institutions may foster environments that enhance resilience, preserve cultural knowledge and support the social roles of elders.
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