Our elders are traditionally the core and strength of our families. They are respected for their experience, spirit, knowledge and wisdom. As elders age, they want to keep their independence.

Below is a list of resources that will help elders become more socially active or help them receive the help they need to feel fulfilled emotionally, physically and mentally, such as our Senior Community Service Employment Program, or our blog, which includes health tips like cooking Indigenous foods or social interaction.

Remember, elders, you are not alone! You can learn new skills, seek help and information, and learn new ways to live longer and keep healthy and happy.

According to U.S. News, “7 Tips to Maintain Social Connections in Retirement” to remain socially connected include:

• Expand your social network before retirement
• Form connections outside of work
• Volunteer
• Join a group

Want to learn more? Click Here

For those elders who are hard of hearing, have mobile or health programs, or are less active, there are resources within your tribes and state.

Take this social isolation assessment created by AARP Foundation’s Connect to Affect to see if you or a cherished elder is at high risk: Click Here

Resources

Aging Plan

My Aging Plan or MAP helps adults identify and assess key factors as they age, such as finances, health, housing and plan for those stages in life. https://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/2018map.pdf

Alzheimer’s & Dementia

• https://www.nicoa.org/alzheimers-dementia/
• https://iasquared.org/

Brain Health

• https://nicoacompass.org/community-resources/aging-in-place/healthy-living/brain-health

Food

• Cooking & nutrition: https://nicoacompass.org/nutrition/
• Changing Your Diet: https://www.nicoa.org/indigenous-foods-a-path-to-healthy-living/

Depression

• Depression in Elders
• Signs of Depression in Elders
• Treating Depression in Elders

Employment

• NICOA’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) located in seven states, the program can help elders stay active. Elders can receive training to help a tribal program, public agency or nonprofit and receive payment for these temporary jobs.

Exercise & Fitness

• Elders participating in the National Senior Games share how they compete and stay fit and healthy: https://www.nicoa.org/newsroom/videos/native-fitness/
• Start moving to live longer: https://www.nicoa.org/exercise-for-a-healthy-life/

Health

• Storytelling – Through storytelling, providers and patients can build relationships while honoring tribal traditions. These stories can be utilized to help motivate tribal members to readopt healthy lifestyles and practices that were traditionally part of their culture. https://www.nicoa.org/elder-resources/culturally-competent-healthcare/
• The Native Elder Storytelling Project

For those elders who are hard of hearing, have mobile or health programs or are less active or elders who are looking for more resources in general, there are resources within your tribes and state:

The Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs—currently administers the Title VI program that was established in 1978 as part of the Older Americans Act.

AARP —Provides helpful information to seniors to help improve quality of life and provides access to Community Connection Tools.

• Caregivers: www.aarp.org/caregiving
• Tribal Leaders: www.aarp.org/employercaregiving

U.S. Aging —A network of over 620 organizations across America that provides information and assistance with programs, including nutrition and meal programs (counseling and home-delivered or group meals), caregiver support, and more. The website can help you find your local AAA, which may provide classes and diabetes self-management.

Eldercare Locator—A free national service that helps find local resources for seniors, such as financial support, caregiving services and transportation. It includes a brochure that shows how volunteering can help keep you socially connected.

National Council on Aging—Works with nonprofit organizations, governments, and businesses to provide community programs and services. This  site shows programs that are available to assist with healthy aging and financial security, including the Aging Mastery Program® that is shown to increase social connectedness and healthy eating habits.

National Institute on Aging (NIA)– Provides materials on social isolation and loneliness for older adults, caregivers, and health care providers. Materials include health information, a print publication available to view or order no-cost paper copies, a health care provider flyer, and social media graphics and posts.