Health Insights of Oglala Lakota Elders: From Wellness to Illness.

Abstract

Why are there a disproportionate number of Lakota older adults aging with chronic diseases in a resource limited environment? Seeking to answer this research question, this dissertation examines how Lakota elders define health, wellness and illness, identifies the formal and informal support networks available to them; and explores the impact of their social status in their community on their health. Theoretically, it employs life course analysis, social construction of illness as well as the concept of 'triple consciousness' to assist in interpreting the lives of Lakota elders. Methodologically, it participates with 25 Lakota elders, aged 55 to 98, living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Employing Indigenous Methodologies, the stories these elders narrated revealed that their health framework included not only the physical body, but also the mind -- or mental health -- as well as the spirit -- or health of the community. As such, the elders defined health wellness and illness not in terms of the physical body alone, but also took into consideration mental and spiritual condition. In addition, in defining health, wellness and illness, the Lakota elders relied not only on the limited health resources provided by the government alone, but also on the social support networks with each other, with their families and with the community at large. The status of elders within this expanded context was the main determinant of their health. The dissertation concludes with specific policy prepositions such as developing a cultural and therapeutic model for relieving the grief and loss across the lifespan and capturing the wisdom of the elders in regard to food production to create accessible home grown foods to the elders in their communities.