Abstract
BackgroundThe number of people of advanced age (85 years and older) is increasing and health systems may be challenged by increasing health-related needs. Recent overseas evidence suggests relatively high levels of wellbeing in this group, however little is known about people of advanced age, particularly the indigenous Māori, in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This paper outlines the methods of the study Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand. The study aimed to establish predictors of successful advanced ageing and understand the relative importance of health, frailty, cultural, social & economic factors to successful ageing for Māori and non-Māori in New Zealand.Methods/designA total population cohort study of those of advanced age. Two cohorts of equal size, Māori aged 80–90 and non-Māori aged 85, oversampling to enable sufficient power, were enrolled. A defined geographic region, living in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board areas of New Zealand, defined the sampling frame. Rūnanga (Māori tribal organisations) and Primary Health Organisations were subcontracted to recruit on behalf of the University. Measures - a comprehensive interview schedule was piloted and administered by a trained interviewer using standardised techniques. Socio-demographic and personal history included tribal affiliation for Māori and participation in cultural practices; physical and psychological health status used standardised validated research tools; health behaviours included smoking, alcohol use and nutrition risk; and environmental data included local amenities, type of housing and neighbourhood. Social network structures and social support exchanges are recorded. Measures of physical function; gait speed, leg strength and balance, were completed. Everyday interests and activities, views on ageing and financial interests complete the interview. A physical assessment by a trained nurse included electrocardiograph, blood pressure, hearing and vision, anthropometric measures, respiratory function testing and blood samples.DiscussionA longitudinal study of people of advanced age is underway in New Zealand. The health status of a population based sample of older people will be established and predictors of successful ageing determined.
Highlights
The number of people of advanced age (85 years and older) is increasing and health systems may be challenged by increasing health-related needs
A longitudinal study of people of advanced age is underway in New Zealand
This study addresses the gap in information about predictors of successful advanced ageing for Māori and non-Māori living in New Zealand
Summary
A comprehensive longitudinal study of people of advanced age is underway in New Zealand. This paper has outlined the methods of the study Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand. Data will be able to be compared with those generated from other international longitudinal studies of ageing. Including a cohort of Māori will provide unique data for understanding the trajectories of ageing in New Zealand’s indigenous population. Participant time commitment is substantial and is a potential limitation to high enrolment numbers but we endeavor to enhance the experience of older participants by providing thank you cards following each data collection end and a toll free telephone number to contact the Auckland team at any time. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
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