Authors: John R

Publication Year: 1994

Last Updated: 2016-01-07 

Journal: Indian Health Service, Office of Health Programs

Keywords: Aged; Data Collection; Health Services/Economics; Health Services/Legislation and Jurisprudence; Health Services for the Aged; Health Services Needs and Demands; Health Policy; Health Services Research; Health Status, Aging, Long-term care, elders, elder, american indian, american indian elder, 60 and older, administration on aging

Abstract:

In this study, the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Administration on Aging (AoA) pursued the following objectives: 1) to assess the current health status and health care needs of American Indian elders; 2) to assess the status of services currently provided to American Indian elders under Titles III and VI of the Older Americans Act; 3) to identify areas where significant gaps in documentation prevent the clear assessment of the status of American Indian elders. The1980 U.S. Census Bureau reports and American Indian supplements, IHS data on mortality trends, and Older Americans Resources and Services multi-functional status data on urban and rural American Indian elders were analyzed. The American Indian Health Care Association analyzed IHS data on inpatient care as well as conducted surveys and telephone interviews with Title IV programs and Area Agencies on Aging to compare Title III and Title IV services. Other data sources were also compiled. The Indian elderly population increased 52 % between 1980 and 1990. In 1990, persons 60 or older accounted for approximately 8.5 % of the total American Indian population. The socioeconomic status, living standards, and income status of Indian elders is extremely substandard. Most elders live in rural areas and do not participate in basic entitlement programs. These circumstances add risks to the elder's physical health, emotional and mental well-being, and to the length and overall quality of life. Many of the deficiencies documented in this study are not considered routine or legitimate consequences of the aging experience in the U.S. Because these trends will continue unless initiatives are taken, it is crucial that the pressing social, economic, and health care needs of the American Indian elderly be addressed. To improve the well being of Indian elders, there is a great need for sound applied research on aging issues with culturally appropriate changes in social policy and programming. (This is in manuscript form)

Source: Link to Original Source

Source: https://nativehealthdatabase.net/digital-heritage/american-indianalaska-native-elders-assessment-their-current-status-and-provision