Indigenous healthy aging means being an elder, not just being old: a qualitative study

In Indigenous communities, the concept of healthy aging often differs from mainstream views. In Taiwan, policy is influenced by the Han (people solely of Chinese ancestry, descendants of the people of the central plains in China), who categorize Indigenous individuals as elders at age 55. This study examined the eastern Paiwan (a subgroup of Paiwan people Indigenous to Taiwan) and their perspective on healthy aging to inform eldercare services. Approved by local chiefs, a focus group with 10 elders revealed that elderhood is defined by personal achievements and contributions rather than age. Participants defined a healthy elder as one who: (1) continuously interacted with others in the community; (2) practiced and transmitted cultural traditions; (3) contributed to family and tribe; and (4) continued to learn new things. Future research should explore how these findings are received by and used to improve Han-controlled Taiwanese Government services for Paiwan elders.