International Association for Indigenous Aging - IA2

International Association for Indigenous Aging - IA2 We embrace the cultural and spiritual values of the communities in which we work.

IA2 works to identify and implement the most effective solutions to significant issues facing American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Indigenous people around the globe.

Today we are highlighting Structural and Systemic Factors, the fifth Indigenous determinant of health. The determinants...
05/22/2026

Today we are highlighting Structural and Systemic Factors, the fifth Indigenous determinant of health.

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

Structural and Systemic Factors:
• Historical mistreatment that continues to impact health and well-being
• Economic conditions that shape opportunities and access to resources
• Access to services and equitable access to goods and supports
• Disparities such as higher rates of AI/AN children involved in the child welfare system

Structural and systemic factors also play an important role in brain health and dementia. Barriers to care, long-standing inequities, and limited access to culturally appropriate services can delay diagnosis and support. Addressing these factors is essential to improving access, building trust, and ensuring better quality of life for individuals 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 frameworkhttps://www.alz.org/getmedia/0174f6d9-af2d-423d-84c6-c6fdc0aab804/hbi-road-map-american-indian-alaska-native-peoples.pdf

Today we are highlighting Sovereignty one of the 5 Indigenous determinants of health. The determinants of health are: I...
05/21/2026

Today we are highlighting Sovereignty one 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

Sovereignty:
• The sovereign rights of Tribal governments to ensure the health and safety of their people
• Governance practices—both current and traditional—that support community wellness

Sovereignty also plays an important role in brain health and dementia. Tribal self-determination allows communities to design and deliver care that reflects their cultural values and priorities. This can improve access to appropriate services, strengthen trust in care systems, and support better outcomes and quality of life for individuals 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 Land and Kinship, of the 5 Indigenous determinants of health. The determinants of health are:...
05/20/2026

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

This week we are sharing the 5 Indigenous determinants of health: Indigenous Knowledge, Language and Identity, Land and ...
05/19/2026

This week we are sharing the 5 Indigenous determinants of health: Indigenous Knowledge, Language and Identity, Land and Kinship, Sovereignty, and Structural/Systemic Factors

Today we are highlighting Language and Identity:
• Speaking Indigenous languages with other community members to strengthen connection and cultural continuity
• Reclaiming traditional knowledge, beliefs, and practices and passing them on to future generations

Language and identity also play an important role in brain health and dementia. Maintaining language and cultural identity can support cognitive engagement, strengthen a sense of self, and foster belonging. These connections can improve quality of life and support more culturally meaningful care for individuals 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
"

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map for American Indian & Alaska Native Peoples outlines five key Indigenous Det...
05/18/2026

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.

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

Today we are highlighting Indigenous Knowledge:
• Ways of being in community, including shared traditions, cultural practices, and collective experiences that support overall well-being
• Knowledge passed through generations that helps individuals understand, teach, and take action for the health of their communities

Indigenous knowledge also plays an important role in brain health and dementia. Cultural practices, storytelling, and intergenerational connections can support cognitive engagement, strengthen identity, and promote a sense of purpose. These connections can help improve quality of life and support more culturally meaningful care for individuals living with dementia and those who care for them.

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 Soci...
05/15/2026

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 Neighborhood & Built Environment:The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined ...
05/14/2026

Today we are highlighting Neighborhood & Built Environment:

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.

Where people live has a major impact on health. Factors in their environment includes access to safe housing and healthy foood, clean air and water, transportation, walkability - sidewalks, and green spaces. Supportive, well-resourced neighborhoods make it easier to stay active, meet daily needs, and remain connected to essential services. But unsafe or under-resourced environments can create barriers to health and increase risk for chronic conditions.

Neighborhood and built environment also matters to people living with dementia. Safe, walkable, and accessible spaces can help people with dementia stay engaged and maintain independence longer. In contrast, confusing or unsafe environments can increase disorientation, stress, and isolation. Additionally, healthy food, exercise, clean air and water, all contribute to lowering risk of developing dementia and improve brain health.

Learn more here:https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/neighborhood-and-built-environment

Today we are highlighting Health Care Access & Quality: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined 5 ...
05/13/2026

Today we are highlighting Health Care Access & Quality:

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.

Being able to get affordable, timely care - including check-ups, screenings, and treatment - plays a major role in overall health. When people can’t access care due to cost, availability, or other barriers, it often leads to delayed treatment and worse health outcomes over time.

Access to quality health care also supports early diagnosis and better management of chronic conditions, helping people live longer and healthier lives. Even though there is no treatment for dementia, getting a diagnosis early is important because it opens the door to supports and resources for both the person with dementia and the people who care about them. A diagnosis and understanding what is to come can also make care planning easier. In dementia, quality health care matters because it helps ensure symptoms are properly assessed, other treatable conditions are not missed, and people can access the right support at the right time to maintain dignity and quality of life.

https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/health-care-access-and-quality

Today we are highlighting Education Access:The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined 5 Social Determi...
05/12/2026

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

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