Background:
The number of people of advanced age (85 years and older) is increasing and health systemsmay be challenged by increasing health-related needs. Recent overseas evidence suggestsrelatively high levels of wellbeing in this group, however little is known about people ofadvanced age, particularly the indigenous Maori, in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This paperoutlines the methods of the study Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in NewZealand. The study aimed to establish predictors of successful advanced ageing andunderstand the relative importance of health, frailty, cultural, social & economic factors tosuccessful ageing for Maori and non-Maori in New Zealand.
Methods:
A total population cohort study of those of advanced age. Two cohorts of equal size, Maoriaged 80-90 and non-Maori aged 85, oversampling to enable sufficient power, were enrolled.A defined geographic region, living in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Boardareas of New Zealand, defined the sampling frame. Runanga (Maori tribal organisations) andPrimary Health Organisations were subcontracted to recruit on behalf of the University.Measures – a comprehensive interview schedule was piloted and administered by a trainedinterviewer using standardised techniques. Socio-demographic and personal history includedtribal affiliation for Maori and participation in cultural practices; physical and psychologicalhealth status used standardised validated research tools; health behaviours included smoking,alcohol use and nutrition risk; and environmental data included local amenities, type ofhousing and neighbourhood. Social network structures and social support exchanges arerecorded. Measures of physical function; gait speed, leg strength and balance, were completed. Everyday interests and activities, views on ageing and financial interests completethe interview. A physical assessment by a trained nurse included electrocardiograph, bloodpressure, hearing and vision, anthropometric measures, respiratory function testing and bloodsamples.DiscussionA longitudinal study of people of advanced age is underway in New Zealand. The healthstatus of a population based sample of older people will be established and predictors ofsuccessful ageing determined.