International Association for Indigenous Aging - IA2

Today we are highlighting Land and Kinship, of the 5 Indigenous determinants of health.

The determinants of health are: Indigenous Knowledge, Language and Identity, Land and Kinship, Sovereignty, and Structural/Systemic Factors

Land and Kinship:
• Recognizing and reaffirming that Indigenous peoples are rooted in traditional understandings of specific places
• Connecting to the geography of a people and to one another through relationships, community, and shared responsibility

Land and kinship also play an important role in brain health and dementia. Connection to land, place, and community can support a sense of identity, belonging, and emotional well-being. These connections can help reduce isolation, support engagement in meaningful activities, and improve quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.

Learn more about how The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map for American Indian & Alaska Native Peoples outlines five key Indigenous Determinants of Health to support wellness through a strengths-based, culturally centered framework.https://www.alz.org/getmedia/0174f6d9-af2d-423d-84c6-c6fdc0aab804/hbi-road-map-american-indian-alaska-native-peoples.pdf

Today we are highlighting Social & Community Context:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined 5 Social Determinants of Health: economic stability, education, health care, neighborhood, and social context.

Having strong relationships, social support, and a sense of connection to others plays a major role in overall health. Positive social environments - like supportive families, friendships, and inclusive communities - can reduce stress, improve mental health, and even lower the risk of chronic disease. On the other hand, social isolation, discrimination, and lack of support can lead to poorer health outcomes over time.

Social and community context is especially important when it comes to aging and cognitive health. Staying socially engaged has been linked to better cognitive function and may help reduce the risk of dementia. For people already living with dementia, strong social support can improve quality of life, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help them remain engaged in meaningful activities. Supportive communities also play a critical role in ensuring that caregivers, friends, and neighbors have the resources and understanding needed to help individuals with dementia live with dignity and connection.

https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/social-and-community-context

Today we are highlighting Education Access:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined 5 Social Determinants of Health: economic stability, education, health care, neighborhood, and social context.

Getting a quality education helps open the door to safer, higher-paying jobs which can reduce financial stress and lower the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

Education matters for brain health too and has a significant impact. People with lower levels of education have about a 45% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with more education.

Bottom line: access to quality education is strongly linked to better health and well-being across a lifetime.
Learn more here. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/education-access-and-quality