Social Engagement Among Tribal Elders: Takeaways from our February Webinar
Our February webinar highlighted creative activities to reduce social isolation among tribal elders. Read on for highlights.
Setting the Stage
Title VI Native American Aging Programs, established as part of the 1978 Amendments to the Older Americans Act, play a critical role in reducing social isolation of tribal elders through provision of culturally appropriate nutrition, supportive and caregiver services to older American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Learn more about Title VI programs in Serving Tribal Elders Across the United States, a report from USAging.
Engaging Tribal Elders
During the webinar, speakers from the Seneca Nation Area Office for the Aging (SNI AOA) and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Title VI program discussed ways they are helping elders stay engaged and connected. Both Title VI programs employ a variety of activities, including bingo and card games; exercise and wellness classes; storytelling from tribal librarians; trips to casinos, theater shows, other states; outings to football and lacrosse games or local shopping locations.
SNI AOA uses a mailed newsletter, its Facebook page and website to share information on upcoming activities and other events. SNI AOA’s Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing a marketing plan to help the agency reach more Seneca elders with information on SNI AOA programs and services. The agency has created a welcome letter and goodie bag that is sent to all Seneca elders as they turn 60.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Title VI program organizes an annual Honor Elder Day that includes activities, presentations, lunch and an Elders Got Talent contest that features elders playing the drums or other instruments, singing, telling a story or reading a poem. Another event the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes hold is an annual Indian Festival in which elders dress in their regalia, participate in a variety of games, take part in arts-and-crafts activities, and share wisdom and insights about their culture.
Tips When Serving Elders and Partnering with Title VI Programs
Speakers shared the following tips for organizations interested in serving elders or partnering with Title VI programs.
Invest in relationship building. Indian Country can be slow to trust or accept new people, so working to build relationships is essential.
Work with your local tribes to ensure supports like caregiver assistance and nutrition program menus are culturally competent.
Embrace the culture of tribal elders. If you live in a community where a powwow is publicized and open to all, go to a gathering and make new connections with those attending.
Remember that the needs of tribal elders are similar to the needs of other older adults when designing and planning services. For example, the conditions and needs of rural America such as lack of transportation, services and infrastructure are very similar to the needs of tribes.
Find solutions for barriers that prevent access to programs and services. As technology is not as prevalent among tribal elders, in-person contact to share information on activities and build connections is essential.
Additional Resources
To learn more about social engagement among tribal elders, listen to the webinar recording and view the webinar slides. Title VI programs partner with a variety of organizations including Area Agencies on Aging and other aging services providers. To learn more about Title VI programs and find a program near your organization, visit olderindians.acl.gov.