Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jun 13, 2018 17:18:31 GMT 12
CULTURAL FACTORS KEY TO HEALTH OF OLDER MĀORI
New research from Massey University and the University of Auckland suggests more focus in the health sector is needed to foster culturally appropriate food practices for older Māori that may lead to less hospitalisations and lower mortality rates.
New Zealanders aged over 80 years are the fastest growing population group and are predicted to increase six-fold by 2050. Māori comprise 14 per cent of the total population – two per cent of those are aged over 80 years and the age group is increasing faster than the non-Māori octogenarian population.
Dr Wham says further work is needed to raise awareness among primary health professionals and foster partnerships with local Māori community organisations.
“Interventions to improve the nutrition status of older Māori need to be based on a holistic Māori worldview. Indeed, the importance of language and culture and being able to access traditional foods are associated with lower nutrition risk in older Māori. A multifaceted approach, including education of the health workforce, may be needed to ensure culturally appropriate food practices are met.”.....
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1806/S00045/cultural-factors-key-to-health-of-older-maori.htm
New research from Massey University and the University of Auckland suggests more focus in the health sector is needed to foster culturally appropriate food practices for older Māori that may lead to less hospitalisations and lower mortality rates.
New Zealanders aged over 80 years are the fastest growing population group and are predicted to increase six-fold by 2050. Māori comprise 14 per cent of the total population – two per cent of those are aged over 80 years and the age group is increasing faster than the non-Māori octogenarian population.
Dr Wham says further work is needed to raise awareness among primary health professionals and foster partnerships with local Māori community organisations.
“Interventions to improve the nutrition status of older Māori need to be based on a holistic Māori worldview. Indeed, the importance of language and culture and being able to access traditional foods are associated with lower nutrition risk in older Māori. A multifaceted approach, including education of the health workforce, may be needed to ensure culturally appropriate food practices are met.”.....
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1806/S00045/cultural-factors-key-to-health-of-older-maori.htm