A framework of healthy ageing for the Torres Strait: A grassroots approach to dementia risk reduction

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundOlder Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians play a crucial role in the health of their communities, holding the cultural rights and responsibilities for maintaining connections to Country, caring for extended family members, and providing leadership and support in their families and within communities. Maintaining the health of older adults is crucial not only for their quality of life but also the cohesiveness of the community they live in. Dementia is a key health priority in Indigenous communities given their increased risk of dementia compared to the general population. At present, there is a lack of evidence around what healthy ageing means in the Torres Strait or how older adults can be supported through the health care system to remain in their communities. In this paper, a study protocol will be presented for review. The aim of the study is to develop a culturally appropriate framework of Healthy Ageing for Torres Strait Communities that will include dementia risk reduction strategies to enable older persons to remain living within their communities for as long, and as healthily, as possible.MethodThis project will use Participatory Action Research to enable Torres Strait communities to identify environmental, cultural, spiritual and other priorities to achieve a fulfilling and positive approach to living well as they age. Using a Continuous Quality Improvement framework, primary health care centres will develop quality improvements based on priorities identified by the community.ResultsPrimary health care centres will implement best practice screening, culturally appropriate assessments, and targeted interventions to support their people to age well and remain on country and implement dementia risk reduction strategies.ConclusionResults will inform a culturally appropriate framework of Healthy Ageing for Torres Strait Communities to enable older persons to remain living well at home, and on Country for as long as possible with reduced dementia risk.