Abstract

As rural and urban communities in Alaska face an increasing elderly population, it will be important to understand the experiences of Alaska Native (AN) Elders and explore the reciprocal relationship between Elders and communities and the impact each has on health and well-being. This article highlights the role of the community in AN Elders' definitions of successful aging, and explores how AN Elders contribute to the health and resilience of rural communities. This study utilized grounded theory with a convenience sample of 26 Elders in five villages in Southwest Alaska that were selected by their respective tribal councils. The findings highlight the importance of family and community support, which contributes to their optimistic attitude toward life. This support provides the Elders with a sense of purpose and having a role in their family and community, directly impacting their health and wellbeing and enabling them to remain active in their homes and communities.