The Importance of Optimism in Maintaining Healthy Aging in Rural Alaska

Bibliographic Data

ID4624137
AuthorsJordan P Lewis, Jordan Lewis (0000-0001-8915-8004, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume23
Issue11
Pages1521-1527
Publication date2013-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732313508013
PMID24122515
OpenAlexW2106511437
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited18

Many Alaska Native Elders attended government-run boarding schools as children, were forbidden to speak their native language, and were forced to abandon their traditional subsistence lifestyle, yet they maintained an optimistic outlook on life and continued to age well. The Explanatory Model Interview Protocol was adapted to interview a purposive sample of Alaska Native Elders ( n = 26) and grounded theory was used to develop a model of successful aging for Alaska Native Elders in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The theme of optimism was significant in the findings and was also found in each of the elements of successful aging, which were spirituality, emotional well-being, community engagement, and physical health. These four elements served as the foundation of the Model of Successful Aging. The Elders believed they were able to age successfully because they continued to be optimistic despite the challenges they faced (and are currently facing) in their communities

Agriculture · Alternative medicine · Geography · Grounded theory · Optimism · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Spirituality · Subsistence agriculture · Successful aging · Aging and Gerontology Research · Medicine · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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