Native American Heritage month is an important time to honor older members of tribal communities as keepers of wisdom and cultural traditions that have been passed down over generations.
As of 2023 there were nearly one million American Indian and Alaska Native people over 65. They are respected pillars of their communities. However, because of longstanding inequities caused by racism, poverty, geographic isolation, and other factors, tribal elders face unique challenges in accessing health and long-term care, stable housing, and economic security as they age.
Justice in Aging has created a number of resources to help advocates provide culturally appropriate and accessible services to tribal elders and advocate for programs and policies that address the long-standing inequities that keep members of tribal communities from aging with dignity.
Resources for Advocates
- Webinar Recording: Justice for Tribal Elders, a Resource Round-up (October 2025)
- Issue Brief: Supporting Tribal Elders Through Home and Community-Based Services (September, 2025)
- Issue Brief: Supporting Tribal Elders Through the Older Americans Act (January, 2025)
- Blog: Traditional Health Care for Tribal Elders Through Special Medicaid Waivers (January, 2025)
- Issue Brief: Supporting Tribal Elders Through Social Security (September, 2024)
- Issue Brief: Justice for Tribal Elders—Issues Impacting American Indian and Alaskan Native Older Adults (December, 2023)
