Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Position Statement Abstract: Ageing and indigenous health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Abstract

Australasian Journal on AgeingVolume 36, Issue 2 p. 134-134 Indigenous Ageing Research FeatureFree Access Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Position Statement Abstract: Ageing and indigenous health in Aotearoa New Zealand First published: 07 April 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12217Citations: 1 This Position Statement represents the views of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine. The preparation of this paper was coordinated by Dr Oliver Menzies, Professor Ngaire Kerse and Dr Mere Kēpa and was approved by the Federal Council of the ANZSGM on 16 June 2013. Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa (Te ORA) – The Māori Medical Practitioners Association – has also reviewed this Statement. [Correction added on 21 October 2016, after first online publication: The Position Statement Ageing and indigenous health in Aotearoa New Zealand has been replaced by its summary. The version originally published can be found as the supporting information of this article on Wiley Online Library.] AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Communication between different cultures are common in New Zealand (NZ), and common in healthcare situations. A doctor's culture and belief systems influence his or her interactions with patients and this may impact on the doctor–patient relationship. Older Māori in NZ share a particular health background and understanding this may help to appreciate where current health or ill health may have stemmed. The process of colonisation has had a marked effect on the health of Māori in NZ. The Treaty of Waitangi is NZ's founding nationhood document and has important significance for health. The NZ Government has recognised that there are disparities in health in NZ, and also the governmental responsibility to improve health outcomes for Māori. Socioeconomic disadvantage explains a considerable proportion of the disparity in health between Māori and non-Māori. There have been a number of different models developed for understanding Māori Health; common themes however are spirituality, mental health, physical health, family, language and cultural heritage. The assessment and treatment of Māori can vary compared with non-Māori, and health practitioners should take note of this to allow best care for their patient. Particular examples of this are contained within this Position Statement. It is important, with the patient's consent, to involve family and whānau (wider family) in both assessment and treatment. Management for older Māori should include consideration of Rongoā/Māori Medicine and healing, which may incorporate particular medicinal formulations and massage. The ANZSGM supports further research into Māori Health and government initiatives to improve the deficit in health of Māori populations compared with the NZ European population. Introduction He aha te mea nui o te ao What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata It is the people, it is the people, it is the people (Māori proverb) Māori is the name given to the Tangata Whenua/people of the land (Indigenous people) of Aotearoa, NZ [1]. This Statement addresses the health of older Māori in NZ. The background and epidemiology of Māori Health in NZ is discussed, followed by practical application in assessment of the older Māori patient. The full document of this Position Statement can be found at http://www.anzsgm.org/posstate.asp Supporting Information Filename Description ajag12217-sup-0001-ArticleS1.pdfPDF document, 163 KB Article S1. Ageing and indigenous health in Aotearoa New Zealand (full document). Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Reference Barlow, CB. Tikango Whakaaro, Key Concepts in Māori Culture. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1991. Google Scholar Citing Literature Volume36, Issue2June 2017Pages 134-134 ReferencesRelatedInformation