Waugh Elizabeth, Mackenzie Lynette
University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia.
Aust Occup Ther J. 2011 Feb;58(1):25-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00914.x. Epub 2011 Jan 4.
The poor health status of Indigenous Australians as demonstrated by high rates of morbidity and mortality compared with non-Indigenous Australians has been of concern to health providers for decades. Largely because of low life expectancy, Indigenous Australians are considered to be ageing from the age of 45 years. However, little is known about the needs and views of this unique group as they age. The aim of the study was to explore perspectives of older Indigenous Australians about their health and wellbeing.
A qualitative study was conducted using data from face-to-face interviews with six Indigenous people aged over 45 years living in southwest Sydney, Australia. Data were analysed using a phenomenological approach.
Participants described important considerations for ageing well that related to the four main themes of: personal identity, family, community and perception of health and ageing.
Engaging in meaningful occupations to support culturally valued roles were key elements in strengthening identity and facilitating personal, family and community health. Health and wellbeing were perceived as multidimensional concepts by participants, which did not always match available services primarily developed for non-Indigenous populations. Culturally sensitive health services are needed to meet the needs of older Indigenous people. Ageing well was associated with participating in family and community roles, connection with community networks and managing the effects of chronic health problems. Further research is needed to determine how health services can support, identity and promote health for older Indigenous Australians.
与非澳大利亚原住民相比，澳大利亚原住民的高发病率和死亡率所反映出的健康状况不佳，几十年来一直是医疗服务提供者关注的问题。主要由于预期寿命较低，澳大利亚原住民被认为从45岁起就开始老龄化。然而，对于这个独特群体随着年龄增长的需求和观点却知之甚少。本研究的目的是探讨澳大利亚原住民老年人对自身健康和幸福的看法。
采用质性研究方法，对居住在澳大利亚悉尼西南部的6名45岁以上原住民进行面对面访谈，并分析所得数据。
参与者描述了与以下四个主要主题相关的安享晚年的重要考量因素：个人身份、家庭、社区以及对健康和老龄化的认知。
从事有意义的活动以支持具有文化价值的角色，是增强身份认同以及促进个人、家庭和社区健康的关键要素。参与者认为健康和幸福是多维度的概念，这与主要为非原住民群体开发的现有服务并不总是相符。需要提供具有文化敏感性的医疗服务，以满足原住民老年人的需求。安享晚年与参与家庭和社区角色、与社区网络建立联系以及应对慢性健康问题的影响相关。需要进一步研究以确定医疗服务如何支持、认同并促进澳大利亚原住民老年人的健康。
