The Native American population in general is not regarded as the physically healthiest. In fact, Native Americans are prone to higher rates of diabetes, alcoholism, and tuberculosis compared to the general population (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). Knowing this, it is important to consider the coping methods this community uses in response to its poor physical health. One of these coping methods is the use of traditions and spirituality, which plays a vital role in the health of elderly Native Americans
When discussing the role of spirituality in the health of Native Americans, we have to discuss their view on disease. Traditional Native American spirituality views disease as a lack of balance between themselves and God or Mother Nature. (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). Therefore in order to remedy disease, one must try to balance this relationship through spiritual means. Also Native Americans who live in urban areas and have access to mainstream healthcare may seek out traditional healing for spiritual reasons (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). What we see here is a relationship between the spiritual and the physical in the sense that good health is determined by a spiritual relationship with a higher power. So it makes sense that in this community, spirituality is used to heal.
Another example of how traditions, spirituality, and health are intertwined is the nursing homes found on Native American reservations. When elderly Native Americans fall ill, many of them end up at their reservation’s nursing homes (West & Reid , 1999). The rooms where elderly Native Americans are to recover are often round and contain traditional carpets, which emulate a traditional living quarters rather than the standard rectangular hospital room (West & Reid, 1999). This may provide a unique sense of comfort that may only be found on the reservation. In addition, the staff that works at the nursing home speaks the native language, making the ill-elderly person feel more comfortable (West & Reid, 1999). Also, the treatments given are traditional therapies as well as modern medicine (West & Reid, 1999). This situation illustrates the relationship between Native American traditions and health.
In Meisenhelder’s study, a group of elderly Native American men and women were interviewed and surveyed. This study revealed that among various forms of health (physical, mental, emotional,), they consistently scored highest in mental health (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). The interviews revealed that a belief in a higher power seems to be associated with a positive mental outlook (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). Also the data collected through surveys revealed that the frequency of prayer and the importance of faith lead to overall better mental health (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). In addition, older Native Americans who scored high in prayer frequency did not necessarily score high in physical health. In fact they scored quite low, however, they did score high in mental health (Meisenhelder & Chandler, 2000). This data consistently shows that faith and spirituality in this community is correlated with its mental health. This also shows that although their physical health may not be the strongest, they do a good job of coping with it by having a strong mental health that comes from their spirituality.
I believe that we can learn a lot from this group of elderly Native Americans. I think that many people are so quick to turn to their doctors and medication that they fail to start with their own attitudes first. I think that religion and spirituality can be useful and beneficial in the aging process. Aging may bring health problems that might be anxiety producing for elderly people. According to a Duke University Study, people who were suffering from a serious medical condition who were religious were less likely to be depressed (Howard, 2009). The same goes in Native American communities because they are able to cope with aging using their spirituality. Their sense of faith allows them to keep a positive outlook, which may be difficult if they are physically unhealthy, and allows them to retain good mental health.
I am not saying that one needs to be spiritual in order to be mentally healthy at old age. The main lesson that I pulled from this study is that our attitudes can heavily influence whether we have a strong or weak mental health. I feel like we underestimate ourselves in the amount of power we have over our mental health. Good physical and mental health should start with you through your attitude and outlook.
References
Meisenhelder, J. B., & Chandler, E. N. (2000). Faith, prayer, and health outcomes in elderly native americans. Clinical Nursing Research, 9(2), 191-203.
West, M., & Reid , B. (1999). Aging native americans face isolation, hardship: [rockies edition]. Denver Post, A-26.
Howard, B. (2009). The secrets of resilient people. AARP The Magazine, 34,36-37.
keepingitklassic 
To begin, this blog was very informative and insightful. It was very interesting to read that traditional native american spirituality views disease as a lack of balance between themselves and god or nature rather than simply on bacteria, virus, or infection. It would be fascinating to learn the specific methods they use to remedy disease, in attempts to try to regain their balance among their spiritual relationships. The blog’s content was well-supported by evidence in that I did not know that despite their somewhat poor physical health, it is not uncommon for them to retain a high mental health through disease or physical ailment. It is surprising, yet comforting, to read the effects that spirituality, belief, or religion can have on someone as they encounter or endure hardship. I feel that this is what causes many of us in western society to be so heavily affected by illness and disease – due to the ways in which we separate family and comfort from medicine and treatment. We can learn a lot from other cultures in that these two should actually rather be combined in order to yield the most beneficial health remedies. I feel that western culture should shift more toward a holistic style of living, in which perspective, health, and well-being are all parts of the same circle – life. I enjoyed reading this article and have learned a lot of new information – great job, John.
I really enjoyed your blog because I believe in recharging our energy in order to maintain physical and mental balance. I have established my own practice to recharge through walking meditation and yoga. I like your last line “we underestimate ourselves in the power we have over our physical and mental health.” I totally agree that our Western world can sometimes victimize individuals into thinking that they are bound by anxiety and depression. But I also do believe that alot of mental issues are also manifested in the physical body. Even though I have read statistics on alcoholism in this community, I did not know the extent to which this community is suffering in terms of physical health. I like how you highlighted this fact while contrasting this disparity to their coping method of prayer and spirituality to sort of “compensate” for it. Sometimes we focus too much on our bodies and not enough on our minds. I know it would have probably included more detail, but I am curious why this population is more at risk for diabetes, and alcoholism versus other groups. Anyways, it was refreshing reading your paper, because it reminds me of the beautiful connection between the spiritual and physical world.