Center for Alaska Native Health Research
2141 Koyukuk Drive
205 Arctic Health Research Building
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000

Phone: 907-474-5528

1-888-470-5576 toll-free within Alaska

Fax: 907-474-5700

uaf-iab-canhr@alaska.edu

Alaska Native elder care research continues to be recognized

National Science Foundation, November 2012

The National Science Foundation has highlighted Jordan Lewis' work on aging among Alaska Native people on its projects webpage.

According to Lewis, aging well is centered on four basic elements: spirituality, optimism and emotional well-being, community engagement and physical health, the NSF noted.

Lewis was a graduate student for Gerald Mohatt, CANHR’s late director, and is now a Senior Research Fellow Trainee at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Lewis earned a Ph.D. with his dissertation "Successful aging through the eyes of Alaska Native Elders. What it means to be an Elder in Bristol Bay, AK."

He and research associate Keri Boyd recently discussed how community based participatory research worked in establishing trust with Alaska Native elders in Northwestern Alaska. The Native Village of Unalakleet approached the two to conduct a needs assessment for elders.

"That's true CBPR," he said. "Communities should reach out to you."

Click here to read the NSF highlight.