Abstract
Indigenous Taiwanese have a history of 7,000 years. During the last four hundred years, multiple colonial regimes caused permanent damages to Indigenous cultures and life. Indigenous older adults face tremendous challenges in the context of revitalizing damaged cultures and identity. This study highlights a series of findings of two related studies on Indigenous aging in Taiwan. Both studies were qualitative and exploratory, with data collected from a total of 48 Indigenous seniors, Elders, community leaders, Indigenous social service workers, and experts in the Pingtung County, Taiwan in 2018 and 2021-22. Through an ethnographic lens, the first study explores the episteme (i.e., understanding and/or perceptions) and practice of active aging (WHO, 2002) including physical environment, social determinants, behavioral and economic determinants, and health and social services. Findings on disparities in the understanding and practice of these components prompt reflections on taken-for-granted practices and services for older adults in mainstream society. Applying Bengtson’s intergenerational solidarity framework, which consists of six dimensions of solidarity, this second study focuses on Indigenous people’s perceptions of vuvu (grandparent or grandchild) and Elder, and five other themes: skipped-generational childrearing, emotional connection and support among generation, passing down knowledge, conflicted views on culture and environment among generations, and formal caregiving as jobs for younger people. The conclusion calls for the guidance of Indigenous philosophy and cultures in the development of policies and programs for older Indigenous people and communities within and beyond Taiwan.
Presenters
Hai LuoAssociate Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Indigenous, Active Aging, Intergenerational Solidarity
