National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA)

Overview

Native American elders often share needs that are taken for granted by other elder populations. Services to address these needs remain unavailable, underdeveloped or inaccessible. The elderly native people comprise a rapidly growing population in the United States. Dramatic changes in the health care system need to occur in order to empower, enhance and preserve the vital resources embraced by the Native American elders.

Empowerment of Native American leaders and service providers is crucial to the elder’s health and well-being. The ability to provide high-quality services while maintaining the individual’s cultural values, stands to enhance the elder’s self-perception, worth and dignity.

History

The National Resource Center on Native American Aging was established in 1994 at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. As a result of a Cooperative Agreement with the Administration on Aging, within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the resource center’s purpose is to work closely with local service providers throughout the nation to address the needs of American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian elders.