OPINIONS TOWARDS AGING IN THE MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY RESIDING IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Sep 29, 2026

OPINIONS TOWARDS AGING IN THE MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY RESIDING IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS examines how aging perceptions in a Pacific Islander community living in Northwest Arkansas are shaped by cultural traditions, health conditions, and access to health information. An anonymous survey of fifty adults (mean age 46.7±11.1) assessed beliefs about aging, activity decline, and moral interpretations. Results show generally low approval for aging-related harm, mixed views on aging as a natural process, and concerns linking sin to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, informing education for healthier aging.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Survey design and participants

Key findings

Beliefs about natural aging

Beliefs about activity loss

Moral framing of aging and dementia

Implications

646 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2209 OPINIONS TOWARDS AGING IN THE MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY RESIDING IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS Shakshi Sharma1, Gohar Azhar2, Karen Coker3, Sheldon Riklon4, Philmar Kabua4, Pearl Mcelfish4, and Jeanne Wei2, 1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, United States, 3. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Geriatrics, Donald W. Reynolds institute of Aging, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 748, little Rock, AR, 72205-7199, USA, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 4. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States The Marshallese is a Pacific Islander community located around the US with much of the population primarily residing in Northwest Arkansas. The perception of aging in this community might be influenced by different cultural traditions, health conditions as well as health information and education. We sought to develop an understanding of how Marshallese view aging. An anonymous survey exploring perspectives and beliefs regarding aging was administered to fifty subjects (mean age 46.7±11.1 SD). This was a convenience sample with 68% of the participants between 18-50 yrs. and 32% between 51-89, with 72% females and 28% males. When we asked participants if aging was a natural process, 86% agreed, 6% disagreed and 8% were uncertain. Furthermore 52% agreed when asked if getting older was associated with fewer activities, 22% disagreed and 26% were uncertain. When asked if aging was a possible punishment or sin, 18% agreed, 59% disagreed and 22% were uncertain. Additionally, 12 % believed that Alzheimer’s disease was a punishment for sin. Although the majority of our participants were younger adults, only 38% believed they were young, whereas 32% classified themselves as being “old” and 30% were uncertain. The results from our survey highlighted the somewhat unfavorable beliefs of Marshallese towards aging and dementia. Understanding these perspectives in the context of their traditions and culture will assist with developing educational materials to promote a healthier and more positive image of aging while improving the quality of life of the older adult Marshallese community members.

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study on aging in the Marshallese community?

To develop an understanding of how Marshallese view aging and how those views may be influenced by culture, health conditions, and health information education.

How was the survey conducted and who participated?

An anonymous survey was administered to fifty subjects, using a convenience sample with a mean age of 46.7±11.1.

What beliefs did participants show regarding aging and dementia?

While most agreed that aging is a natural process, many associated getting older with fewer activities and a notable minority linked aging-related issues to sin or punishment, including beliefs about Alzheimer’s disease.

Sep 29, 2026

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