Healthy Aging Month: Strengthening Wellness in Native American Communities

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the wisdom of elders and encourage practices that promote a long, active, and fulfilling life. For Native American communities, this observance carries special meaning. Elders are not only family leaders but also cultural guardians who pass on traditions, language, and stories. Supporting their health is vital for community resilience. Yet, Native Americans face unique health challenges that affect aging—and targeted action can help close the gaps.

The Health Landscape for Native Elders

Research shows that Native Americans and Alaska Natives experience higher rates of chronic illness than the general U.S. population.

According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), Native elders are disproportionately affected by diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease.

Life expectancy for American Indians/Alaska Natives is 5–6 years shorter than the national average.

In New York City, Native American seniors face additional barriers such as lack of culturally appropriate care, limited insurance coverage, and social isolation.

These disparities highlight the need to promote preventive care, healthy lifestyles, and culturally grounded support.

Stories from the Community

Many Native families share stories of elders who struggled with preventable illnesses due to late diagnosis. For example, a Diné grandmother living in Queens developed severe complications from diabetes after years of not receiving regular screenings. With support from a local health program, she learned to manage her condition through healthier food choices and daily walking with her grandchildren. Her journey shows that knowledge, access, and community support can transform aging from a struggle into a period of empowerment.

Keys to Healthy Aging

Nutrition

Traditional Native foodways—wild rice, beans, corn, berries, and fish—offer a powerful model for modern health. Diets high in whole foods and low in processed sugar help manage chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Nutrition education can connect elders back to ancestral diets while adapting to urban food environments like New York City.

Physical Activity

Staying active prevents falls, strengthens the heart, and improves mental health. Walking, stretching, traditional dance, and low-impact activities like Tai Chi can be integrated into daily routines for elders.

Regular Screenings

Preventive care is essential. Annual check-ups, blood pressure tests, diabetes screenings, and cancer screenings help detect issues early. For Native Americans, who often experience conditions earlier than other groups, early and consistent screenings save lives.

Mental Health and Social Connection

Depression and social isolation affect many elders, particularly in urban areas. Intergenerational programs, cultural gatherings, and community centers create spaces where elders can share wisdom while receiving emotional support.

Respecting Cultural Values

For Native communities, healthy aging is not just about physical health but also spiritual and cultural well-being. Activities that preserve language, traditional crafts, and storytelling nurture both individual and community identity.

Challenges to Overcome

Healthcare Access: Many Native Americans in NYC rely on underfunded safety-net providers. Long wait times and lack of Native providers can discourage elders from seeking care.

Financial Barriers: Elders without private insurance often struggle to afford screenings and medications.

Cultural Disconnect: Health messages not tailored to Native values may fail to resonate.

Addressing these challenges requires community-based solutions and culturally grounded education.

Recommendations for Native Elders and Families

Schedule yearly check-ups even if you feel healthy.

Incorporate traditional foods like beans, squash, and berries into meals while limiting sugary drinks and processed foods.

Stay active daily, even with light movement like stretching or walking.

Join community events to stay socially connected and prevent loneliness.

Talk with family about health history, since conditions like diabetes and heart disease often run in families.

Honor cultural practices like drumming, gardening, or storytelling, which support mental and spiritual well-being.

The New York Indian Council is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of Native American communities in the city. NYIC:

Hosts elder wellness workshops focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease management.

Provides education sessions on Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance navigation for elders.

Connects families to screening services through partnerships with NYC hospitals and community clinics.

And many other services.

Promote intergenerational programs where youth learn from elders while encouraging healthy habits.

By educating, connecting, and empowering, NYIC helps ensure that Native elders in New York City age with dignity, health, and cultural strength.

Conclusion

Healthy Aging Month reminds us that aging well is not only about adding years to life but life to years. For Native Americans, this means embracing traditions, strengthening family ties, and overcoming health disparities through awareness and action. Elders are the living libraries of Native nations. Protecting their health protects the future of the community. With education, preventive care, and the supportive role of organizations like the New York Indian Council, Native elders can thrive, inspire, and continue to lead their people for generations to come.