National Health Data and Older American Indians and Alaska Natives

Abstract

The population of older American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) is growing rapidly, but few population-based reports of the health of older AI/ANs exist. The objective was to assess the representation of older AI/ANs in population based health data sets. Health- and aging-related population-based data sets were reviewed for inclusion of AI/AN adults. Data sets were identified using online searches of the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research and the National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging, and federal health care and research agencies. Unweighted sample sizes of AI/ANs were collected for each study by age group. Of 190 data sets reviewed, only 25 (13%) contained at least 100 AI/ANs ages 65 years or older, and less than 5% contained 500 or more. Older AI/ANs are underrepresented in national data sets. Concerted efforts to improve data collection regarding the health and health care needs of this population are needed.