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Published on: January 24, 2020
A Discourse Analysis of Cultural Influences on Alaska Native Successful Aging
Steffi M Kim1, Jordan P Lewis2, Juanita-Dawne Bacsu3
1Department of Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska.
Rural Alaska Native Elders migrate for resources, impacting their views on aging. Cultural influences shape self-evaluation differently for urban versus village Elders, highlighting contextual factors in successful aging.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Rural Alaska Native Elders often relocate to urban centers due to limited resources and socioeconomic disparities.
- Migration is driven by the need for medical services, economic improvement, and family reunification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the discourse of Alaska Native Elders living in urban areas with those residing in remote villages.
- To explore cultural influences on identity, Eldership, and self-perceptions of successful aging.
Main Methods:
- Discourse analysis using Gee's framework.
- Comparative study of 12 urban Alaska Native Elders and 13 rural Alaska Native Elders from the Norton Sound region.
Main Results:
- Two distinct discourse patterns emerged, reflecting cultural effects on identity and Eldership.
- Significant differences were observed in the self-evaluation of successful aging between urban and rural Elders.
- Contextual factors play a crucial role in shaping these differences.
Conclusions:
- Cultural background and environment significantly influence how Alaska Native Elders perceive and evaluate successful aging.
- Understanding these cultural nuances is vital for providing culturally appropriate support and healthcare services to migrating Elders.
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