While we have come a long way in some areas, in aged care and health care we still have a way to go. There is still significant mistrust in the health and care system among First Nations people. Healthy ageing has often been unattainable for many, driven by an earlier onset of chronic disease when compared to the general Australian population. Life expectancy also remains significantly lower than the rest of the Australian population. Issues of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and long-term musculoskeletal disease remain higher, impacting on healthy ageing.

How can we help build older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s confidence in engaging with health and aged care? How do we meet their needs?

Understanding culture and its impact on health can improve the quality-of-service delivery. Connection to culture is important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and integrating this into care significantly contributes to improving care delivery and outcomes. Cultural care is often absent or neglected in care delivery. This includes considering issues of history, geography and ethnicity.  

We need to foster communities where people feel safe, welcome, share common goals, trust, and respect each other. We still have so much to learn to ensure all people, regardless of their background feel safe, supported and equal. We all can do better when it comes to understanding others.

As published in The Advertiser's Boomer lift-out on 11 July.