Serving Older Native Americans: Challenges Facing Gerontological Social Work in Indian Country

Abstract

Recognizing that Native American elders are a growing segment of the minority aged in the United States, this paper highlights the relevant social service issues of Native American elderly and focuses on building social work knowledge of these topics on a national and state level. The authors offer three practice strategies for a sound social work response in serving older Native Americans: (1) inclusion and collaboration with tribal nations, (2) outreach to households and local communities, and (3) capacity building, These strategies are framed against the realities of Native American elders residing in Oklahoma, a state with one of the highest American Indian populations in the United States and 39 sovereign tribal governments.

KEYWORDS:

• Gerontology and social work
• Native American elders
• minority aging

The authors wish to acknowledge the Council on Social Work Education—Gero-Ed Center for their support of the Master's Advanced Curriculum Project at the University of Oklahoma.

Notes

¹Although this number varies in some reports, the authors use the most recent number from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

²Urban and rural differences: 14% urban, 34% rural.