NICOA Points to American Indian/Alaska Health Disparities during National Minority Health Month

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    This post originally appeared on the NICOA blog.

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    American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Elders have long experienced disparities in health and healthcare. A health disparity is a difference in health outcomes from different groups within the population.

    Historically, AI/AN communities have had limited access to quality healthcare. One outcome of treaties between AI/AN communities and the federal government is that all federal recognized tribes have a right to healthcare services. The Indian Health Service (IHS)* was created to meet this federal commitment.

    Although there are 567 federally recognized tribes to date, there are many more tribes still seeking federal recognition..... Read More

                 

    NICOA Advocating for American Indian/Alaska Native Elders at the 2017 Aging in America Conference

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    This post originally appeared on the NICOA blog.

    During next week’s Aging in America Conference, an annual aging conference presented by the American Society on Aging, the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) will present on key aging issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.

    The conference, taking place in Chicago from March 20th to the 24th, features hundreds of educational sessions, networking, keynote speakers, and an exhibit hall featuring the latest products and services for older adults. It is a great opportunity to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of those who work with, and on behalf of, older adults. NICOA will also be presenting with our partners, the Diverse.... Read More

                 

    Social Connections and Healthy Aging

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    This post originally appeared on the NICOA blog.

    The importance of friends and family to our health is well understood by American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Though the specific traditions of tribes, pueblos, nations, and bands can differ quite a bit between one another, we as AI/AN share our respect for, inclusion of, and focus on Elders as a common link between our communities.

    In today’s culture, many Elders are separated from their communities and therefore from some of this tradition. While we may overlook it, the connections with our families and friends are important to our health and wellbeing as Elders. Research is demonstrating the importance of social interactions to the physical and mental health of.... Read More