Following in Elders' Footsteps: Yarning About Ageing Well in the Torres Strait

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Gerontology
• Sociology

Background:

• Growing international literature on Indigenous wellbeing in later life.
• Limited documentation on Torres Strait Islander perspectives of ageing well.
• Need to understand unique cultural determinants for First Nations Peoples in Australia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the meaning of ageing well for Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• To identify key cultural factors influencing wellbeing in later life.
• To center First Nations voices in health policy and practice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing yarning circles.
• Conducted with 45 participants across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).
• Analysis through reflexive thematic analysis, employing a wongai tree metaphor.

Main Results:

• Seven themes of ageing well were identified, visualized through the wongai tree metaphor.
• Roots: Torres Strait Islander way of life; Trunk: Practicing identity.
• Branches: Holistic healthy lifestyle; Leaves: Leadership; Fruit: Knowledge transfer; Cyclone: Challenges; Regrowth: Sustained life.

Conclusions:

• Cultural determinants of health are crucial for Torres Strait Islander ageing well.
• Holistic approaches incorporating cultural values are essential.
• Prioritizing First Nations voices in policy and practice is imperative for effective health outcomes.