Prevalence and context of racism experienced by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

To examine the prevalence and context of racism self-reported by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 2015 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey was used to measure the prevalence, contexts and demographic differences in reports of racism. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of age with racism in later life.

A sizeable minority of older Aboriginal people reported experiences of unfair treatment (31%) and avoidance (15%), oftentimes occurring in contexts critical to human capital investments. Specific demographic groups, including those with higher levels of education, were more likely to report experiences of unfair treatment. The prevalence of unfair treatment and avoidance remains relatively high in later life (albeit lower than younger ages), with a significant reduction from age 65.

Addressing racism, particularly in contexts crucial to human capital, is important for the health and well-being of older Aboriginal people.