Participation in Cultural Traditions Promotes Happiness and Peacefulness Among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Elders

Participation in Cultural Traditions Promotes Happiness and Peacefulness Among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Elders

Cultural traditions activate the happy hormone

A 2018 study by the National Resource Center on Native American Aging (PDF, 181 KB, 4 pp) found that even though American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian elder populations are more likely to suffer from depression, participation in cultural and traditional activities may help counter their risk. The study shows direct correlations between participation in cultural activities and happiness and resilience. As the Happiness and Calmness vs. Cultural Participation chart shows, the more activities elders participate in, the happier they are.

A chart from the fact sheet, "Participation in Cultural Traditions Promotes Happiness and Peacefulness Among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Elders," by the National Resource Center on Native American Aging

What does this mean for long-term care? Beyond elders' physical health, facilities that provide opportunities for their residents to participate in cultural and traditional activities are better able to support elders' emotional and mental health.