Life themes of native Hawaiian female elders: resources for cultural preservation.

Women of color represent a growing segment of the rapidly increasing aging population in the United States, and yet descriptive and epidemiological data on this population remain sparse. This article examines the life experiences of aging native Hawaiian women. Oral history methodology is used to collect information on the life experiences of six female elders (kupuna) to identify life themes and cultural values and, more important, to contribute to cultural preservation. Implications for social work policy and research are identified.