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Counting the Ways That Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Older People Participate in Their Communities and Culture

Author

Listed:
  • Joanne Nicole Luke
  • Dawn Bessarab
  • Kate Smith
  • Dina LoGiudice
  • Leon Flicker
  • Lianne Gilchrist
  • Briony DowPhD
  • Jeromey Temple
  • Jessica A Kelley

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the proportion of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participating in cultural events and activities and determine the demographic and sociocultural characteristics associated with participation.MethodsThe Australian Bureau of Statistics National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (2014–2015) was used to measure the prevalence of participation in cultural events and activities. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure associations. Sociocultural factors were selected by matching survey items to the 12 sociocultural factors described in the Good Spirit Good Life Framework, a culturally validated quality-of-life tool for older people.ResultsThe majority (62.0%) of survey respondents 45 years and older participated in cultural events (e.g., ceremonies, funerals/sorry business, NAIDOC week activities, sports carnivals, festivals/carnivals) or were involved in organizations. Many (58.5%) also participated in activities (e.g., fishing, hunting, gathering wild plants/berries, arts/crafts, music/dance/theater, writing/telling of stories). In regression models including demographic and cultural variables, participation in cultural events was highest among people living remotely (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71), reporting recognition of homelands (OR = 2.39), identifying with a cultural group (OR = 3.56), and those reporting having a say in their communities (OR = 1.57), with similar odds seen for participation in activities. Participation was inversely proportional to increasing age, with a greater proportion of females participating in events and males in activities.DiscussionThe social lives of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were characterized by widespread participation in cultural events and activities. These findings provide important insights into services as they support older people to live a good life.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanne Nicole Luke & Dawn Bessarab & Kate Smith & Dina LoGiudice & Leon Flicker & Lianne Gilchrist & Briony DowPhD & Jeromey Temple & Jessica A Kelley, 2024. "Counting the Ways That Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Older People Participate in Their Communities and Culture," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 79(8), pages 94983-94411.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:79:y:2024:i:8:p:e94983-411.
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