Cultural Context of Health and Well-being among Samoan and Tongan American Elders

Abstract

This article examines cultural-related factors that may serve as sources of protection/benefits and risk for the health and wellbeing of Samoan and Tongan American elders. People from Oceania, in this case Samoans and Tongans, view health and well-being holistically, thus this study focused on biological health and psycho-social-spiritual well-being of participating elders. Study participants included 20 Samoan and Tongan American elderly immigrants living on the islands of Hawaii. For this exploratory qualitative research, data were collected via individual interviews. Findings indicate that commitment to cultural practices in the family such as respect for the elders, community and church leaders; reciprocity; spirituality; native language; use of traditional medicine, food, and music; and cultural expectations have protective influences on an elder’s health and well-being. These cultural practices provided psychological encouragement and strength, social support systems, opportunities for reciprocity and strengthened relationships with God and others. On the other hand, overgiving and over-doing these cultural practices led to negative impacts on an elder’s health and well-being. Cultural duality was identified as a source of both risk and protection for health and well-being. Implications for research and policy practice for the larger Pacific American group and other culturally similar groups are discussed.