Nourishing the spirit: The role of traditional foods in native elder health

"Diet and food play a pivotal role in overall health, well-being and active aging. For the nearly 800,000 people age 65 and older who identify themselves as American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander elders in the United States, there is also a connection between traditional foods and health that holds profound significance. Historical challenges, marked by colonization and loss, have set the stage for Native Elders to experience the worst health disparities in the United States (US). However, recent research has linked regular consumption of traditional foods to lower reported rates of diabetes, better nutrition status and higher participation in cultural practices for Native Elders. "