A Community-Led Approach to Understanding How Service Providers Can Support 'Ageing well' for Older Aboriginal People in Australia.

Abstract

Supporting older people to age well is a global policy priority, however the development and implementation of strategies to support ageing well for older Aboriginal people must be determined by the communities affected. This is necessary in colonial contexts, where socio-political structures impinge on Aboriginal rights and mainstream policy and practice creates and maintains health and social inequities. This article reports on research conducted in partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders Group, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. The research focus was how service provision can support Aboriginal people to age well in a remote community in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were conducted with 11 staff members from health, aged care, and Aboriginal Community Controlled services. The analysis produced four themes: Ageing well is collective and a shared responsibility; Racism and discrimination are pervasive in mainstream services; Intersectional barriers and enablers to ageing in place; Trust and cultural safety are integral to service accessibility. Our discussion explores the cultural and socio-political context of these findings and highlights implications for policy and practice.