Objectives: There are no known positive psychological (PP) measures adapted/validated for use with people in the early stages of dementia. Objectives were to: (1) develop/pilot an accessible protocol administering PP this population; (2) examine their psychometric properties; and (3) provide preliminary observations about how early-stage dementia perceive various aspects as it pertains to living dementia.Methods: Five adapted/administered 36 Constructs interests gratitude, life satisfaction,...

Indigenous research posits that practice-based evidence is fundamental to culturally grounded, multifaceted methods. The objective outline the key tenets and characteristics of Elder-centered relevant methodology using an interconnected progression Alaska Native studies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Elders, 21 caregivers, non-Native caregivers in two studies exploring cultural understandings memory successful aging. design implementation these employed Elders at every...

Introduction: We aimed to describe the health and well-being of family caregivers Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults living with Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (ADRD), explore cultural values caregiving, characterize barriers facilitators their well-being. Methodology: Caregivers NHPIs ADRD were recruited from across United States complete a multimethod study including survey followed by an interview about Results: Eleven participants completed surveys, six whom interview....

Introduction The adverse effects of social isolation and loneliness (SI/L) have been documented among older adults in rural communities contribute to poor health outcomes, premature disability mortality, increased burden on the healthcare system. identification factors contributing SI/L can build foundation for policymakers leaders allocate resources develop tailored strategies more efficiently. purpose this article is describe findings from a needs assessment designed understand local that...

Abstract Objectives This paper outlines the unique culturally driven cyclical migration of Alaska Native (AN) Elders, distinct from previously described patterns in that Elders spend extended time more than one community. We describe this Indigenous AN and its influence on their identity later life health well-being. Methods Interviews with 124 were conducted across 5 regions Alaska: Bristol Bay, Interior, Norton Sound, Aleutian Pribilof Islands, Southcentral. Within sample, 87 participants...

aged well, yet today they experience high rates of illness and lower access to care because colonisation. Aand this research explores successful ageing from an AN perspective or what it means achieve "Eldership" in the rural Northwest Alaska. A community-based participatory approach was used engage participants at every stage process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 men 25 women professionally transcribed. Kleinman's explanatory model served as foundation questionnaire gain...

Geographical remoteness, limited resources, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to the migration of rural Alaska Native Elders urban areas access medical services improve economic situations, or reunite with family. We compared discourse 12 in Anchorage who previously lived four remote traditional villages Norton Sound region (ages 60–84) 13 those 48–80). Using Gee's analysis framework, two patterns emerged detailing cultural effects on identity Eldership, illuminating differences...

Abstract The concept of generativity, defined as teaching and guiding the next generation, is an important stage human development. Little research has been conducted with Alaska Natives on their understanding generativity its role impact emotional health. This presentation part a parent study that consists 162 qualitative interviews AN Elders over course 16 years were thematically analyzed to explore health in successful aging. Across lifespan, Native engage healthy unhealthy behaviors...

Abstract Family stigma (FS), referring to experiences of by association, is the consequence stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes. This study assessed FS among Alaska Native (AN) Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (ADRD) caregivers spanning three domains: caregiver, layperson, structural stigma. Stigma can prevent from seeking a diagnosis, treatment, or support services. Caregivers report limited knowledge disease, little engagement with resources, social isolation. pilot used mixed methods...

Abstract The focus of this symposium, co-sponsored by the Indigenous Peoples and Aging Research Interest Group Rural Group, is to highlight projects that apply and/or non-Western perspectives co-create research or programs for people. While researchers practitioners continue work on closing implementation gap, a lack involvement people in Indigenous-focused leads longer delays between culturally safe effective findings program implementation. Furthermore, communities have faced instances...

Abstract Recently, researchers have been exploring successful aging in rural communities of Alaska as it is experienced by Native Elders. Due to outmigration based on economic, medical, or familial influences, many elders leave their home live urban settings Alaska, even though research suggests that most would like remain grow old. Very little known about the relocation process and how impacts an elder’s views aging. While established protective factors involve family extended members,...

Abstract Associated with aging, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are likely having a disproportionate effect on North American Indigenous communities due to longer life expectancies high rates of chronic diseases. Despite missing prevalence data ADRD in for Native Elders, it is known that one five Indians Alaska Natives experience subjective cognitive decline four adults currently caregivers. Similarly, Hawaiians Pacific Islanders (NHPI) twice as have dementia compared...

Abstract With the rate of dementia increasing among Alaska Native people and tribal health system ill-equipped to meet challenges associated with care, there is an urgent need better understand cultural perspectives on caregiving what states communities can do support their caregivers. Despite fact caring for others a value practice Indigenous communities, caregivers tend report fewer barriers related they still experience challenges. Guided by Kleinman’s explanatory model illness,...

Abstract Background There is a cultural value among Alaska Natives to care for their Elders and this commitment applies all Elders, regardless of health status or cognitive health. Caregiver duties can lead stress, isolation, depression that negatively impact overall wellbeing. Despite the challenges, these caregivers emphasized unexpected blessings, which served as coping mechanisms providing meaning purpose caregiver role. Method Interviews were conducted with 22 Native Alzheimer’s Disease...

Abstract Background The proportion of the Native population aged 65+ is projected to increase between 2015 and 2045, from 7‐12%, informal caregivers health care providers are ill‐prepared meet demand Alzheimer’s Disease related disorders (ADRD). There an increasing urgency better understand Alaska views ADRD. Method Guided by Kleinman’s explanatory model illness, a qualitative, research design was utilized gather data on experiences with 21 interviews 12 in rural urban communities were...

Abstract The psychological construct of generativity encompasses a person’s motivation to leave legacy for future generations by investing in acts that will outlive the self (Ericson, 1950). Lewis and Allen (2017) outlined importance within AN cultures (caring our youth) expanded Erikson’s western-based definition adding indigenous cultural component describe incorporate Alaska Native specific elements. These culturally based elements involve giving back family community including guidance...

Abstract Existing conceptualizations of successful aging are mainly based on Western cultures, ignoring the inclusion or exploration culturally-relevant knowledge within experience aging. Lewis (2011) drew experiences Elders and identified four elements Eldership (successfully elders) in Bristol Bay region Alaska: “a) emotional well-being, b) community engagement, c) spirituality, d) physical health” (p. 544). Given unique distinct environmental locations this study, presentation builds upon...

Abstract Indigenous peoples worldwide face unique challenges growing old. Many of these are remnants previous colonization practices and current oppressive systems often leading to out-migration from rural urban environments. Despite Anchorage having the highest population Alaska Native Elders little is known about experience relocation. This study investigated impact culture on successful aging within context. Twenty-five semi-structured qualitative interviews with (N=13) (N=12; ages 48-84)...

Abstract Stigma in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is associated with a higher prevalence depression, anxiety, social isolation, poorer caregiver health. This particularly true for underserved rural communities; however, little known about sources stigma implications within these communities. symposium explores along and/or communities introduces novel interventional considerations addressing stigma. The first presentation by Rhodus colleagues highlights...

Abstract Alaska Natives (AN) view aging from a holistic perspective. One of the challenges researching with cultural groups is lack data, or research, on culture and aging. This research explored successful an AN A community-based participatory (CBPR) model was used to engage participants at every stage process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 16 men 25 women. Kleinman’s Explanatory Model Illness adapted gain sense beliefs about guide data analysis establish understanding attaining...

Abstract Alaska Native (AN) Elders have historically been underrepresented in research. Innovative AN research posits that practice-based evidence is fundamental to culturally grounded, multifaceted methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 and 12 non-Native caregivers two studies exploring cultural understandings of memory successful aging. The design implementation these employed at every level the research, ensuring relevancy, outcomes, dissemination activities. Findings...

Abstract Challenges such as isolation, scarce resources, and limited knowledge of the disease are often result stigmatizing experiences from multiple systemic sources. No studies have investigated impact sources stigma on quality life in Alaska Native (AN) ADRD caregivers. This exploratory, mixed-method study within a community-based participatory research framework assessed experience family among 40 AN caregivers people with across by administering measure describes caregivers’ to develop...

Abstract Given the current threats to health for older Indigenous people, it is important understand needs and perceptions of people who play a pivotal role in wellbeing their communities. The underrepresentation voices has led research, promotion efforts, community engagement that largely been unsuccessful facilitating culturally grounded effective promotion. Engaging Elders research often challenge researchers – non-Indigenous. Reaching within urban environment can even be more challenging...