“ Everything We Do in Life Is a Teaching Tool ”: The Role of Indigenous Cultural Generativity in Promoting “Aging in a Good Way” and Cultural Endurance

While older adults often experience improved health and well-being from intergenerational sharing, also known as generativity, little research exists on the benefits of sharing across generations and few studies explore generativity as a component of successful aging. Given that Indigenous societies use storytelling and role modeling to pass down cultural values, beliefs, and ways of knowing, there is an urgent need to document traditional knowledge and better understand the benefits of generative practices. This study explores how Alaska Native Elders enact Indigenous cultural generativity as a tenant of successful aging and documents benefits as described by Alaska Native Elders. Data were collected over 18 years through qualitative interviews with 162 Elders from four of the five regions in Alaska. Elders engaged in generative practices such as storytelling, demonstrating skills, and modeling ways of living well. Generative practices helped Elders feel happy, gave them a sense of purpose, and supported their well-being. Overall, Indigenous cultural generativity is not solely a component of Alaska Native successful aging, but the primary pathway to achieving successful aging. Future research is needed to better understand how different forms of generativity benefit Elders and how to promote and support Indigenous cultural generativity in Alaska Native communities.