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."