Dr. Gloria Craig Introduces Section 1 Concepts The Sunrise Model, developed by Madeline Leininger, identified the many and varied factors influencing culture. The same applies to the concept of aging. The definition of aging varies from culture to culture.

 

Typically, the term older adult refers to a person sixty-five years old and over. Other words frequently associated with aging include advanced age, declining years, and the "golden years" but for the Native American, the term is ELDER.

Listen to Madonna Blue Horse Beard as she describes how Native American elders are viewed in their culture. 

As you can tell from the description by Madonna, elders in the Native American culture are respected and held in high esteem because they possess much wisdom that has been acquired through many years of living and learning. This cultural value, particularly as it relates to tribal elders, impacts care. The meaning and action mode in Leininger's Sunrise Model that relate to this, such as respect for ritual and ceremonies must be understood from this context. 

I invite you to view an amazing video by Diane Way, Albeza Artistic Director of the Native American Arts and Film Institute in San Jose, California, regarding how the Native American Elder is respected and given honor.

Albeza: Honor and Pain Exhibit

I also invite you to read an article by Harvey Arden, author of the book entitled "Dreamkeepers: A Spiritual Journey into Aboriginal Australia." 

Who is an "Elder"?

Regardless of the culture, aging is a complicated process and members of the health care profession accept no single theory on the aging process. There has been a shift in the population with older adults living longer and living with chronic conditions that are often a natural consequence of the aging process. 

Aging has become a major issue in society as the number of people over sixty-five surpasses three million. Growth is expected to continue as the "baby boomers" begin to reach age sixty-five. It is predicted that between the years of 2010 and 2030 that over 21.8% of the population will be over age sixty-five. This has resulted in a thirst for knowledge and information regarding how to properly care for this population of people and a growth in the need for gerontological nurses (Needham, 1993).

Aging is a normal process that begins at conception and continues throughout the life span and involves every human being regardless of genetics or culture. External changes are the most noticeable indicators of aging but aging is very individualized and independent of chronological age. Many people considered "old" to not fit the definition, as they remain healthy and active despite their chronological age. On the other hand, many people are experiencing the effects of the aging process at an earlier age because of environmental hazards (Needham,1993).

Let's examine the factors that affect aging in the PowerPoint presentation. As you view the PowerPoint presentation, remember the cultural and social dimensions in Leininger's Sunrise Model. The following dimensions are important factors that affect aging including Economics (about 51% of Native Americans over the age of sixty-five receive incomes below the poverty level); Education (about 12% of Native American elders have had no formal education); and Social (in some Native American tribes, a person may be identified as an elder as early as age forty (Black, et al, 1997). 

The nursing profession must be prepared to provide care for Native American elders and one method of preparation is to understand the changes associated with the aging process. Another method of preparation is to educate the nurses providing care for the Native American elder. Finally, another method is to encourage Native Americans to become nurses who will provide culturally competent care for the Native American elder.

The next PowerPoint presentation will explain the aging process in regard to cells, tissues, and organs.

Most older adults have at least one chronic condition:

• Arthritis(49%)
• Hypertension(37%)
• Hearing impairments (32%)
• Heart disease (30%)
• Cataracts and sinusitis (17%)
• Orthopedic impairments (16%)

The aging process has an affect on every body system in one way or another. The next PowerPoint presentation will give an overview of the body systems and address:

• Normal changes for the elder
• Common disorders associated with aging
• Nursing management 

View PowerPoint

The Aging Process and Body Systems
(Click on the line above to view PowerPoint)

Aging is a normal process and the end result of aging is death. Death also is a normal process with many cultural aspects. The Indian Health Service (1998) identified that the leading causes of death for American Indians included diseases of the heart, malignant neoplasms, and diabetes mellitus. 

Let's listen to Madonna Blue Horse Beard as she shares her beliefs about death and the cycle of life as well as  the causes of death and the results. 

This ends Section 1 of Module 1.  To review, we have defined and elaborated on the following concepts:

Factors Affecting Aging

Environmental Educational Economical

Other online resources regarding Native American Elders and Aging can be found at the following sites:

Administration of Aging: Programs and Resources for Native American Elders

National Resource Center on Native American Aging

Native American Culture: Health

Favorite Native American Resources

The Aging Resource Center

Thank you for your time and attention.  Please be sure to take the Post-Test for Section 1.

Section 2 of Module 2 will address Health and Wellness for the Native American elder. 

Proceed to Section 2