R. Turner Goins, PhD, NERC/RCMAR Scientist and Faculty Advisor

According to the US Census Bureau, between 2020 and 2050, the number of AI/ANs aged ≥ 55 years is estimated to experience a 1.8-fold increase, aged ≥ 65 years is estimated to experience a 2.2-fold increase, and aged ≥ 85 years is estimated to experience a 5.0-fold increase. Our article in the special issue on rural aging in Generations focused on how AI/AN communities are supporting their elders. Approximately, 44% of AI/ANs aged ≥ 50 years live on tribal lands, which are predominantly classified as rural or frontier areas. While the majority of AI/ANs aged ≥ 50 years lived off of tribal lands, it is also worth noting that the proportion of AI/ANs who live on tribal lands increases with age. It is difficult to provide a generalized view of how all 573 federally recognized tribes and tribal entities are working to meet their elders’ social and medical service related-needs. Thus, for our manuscript, we offered detailed descriptions of how two tribes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, support their elders. In the case of these two tribes, with tribal, state, and federal funds, they are providing a wide variety of important programs and services for their aging populations.

For full article see Goins RT, Scarton L, Winchester B. The First Rural Community: Indian Country. Generations. 2019 Jul 15;43(2):76-83. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/763556/78/