Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand -Te Puāwaitanga o Nga Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu, LiLACS NZ: Study protocol

BMC Geriatrics

Study Protocol

Santosh Jatrana¹  Janine Wiles²  Ruth Teh³  Simon Moyes³  Karen J Hayman³  Ngaire Kerse³  Sally Keeling⁴  Tim J Wilkinson⁴  Joanna B Broad⁵  Martin J Connolly⁵  Carol Wham⁶  Valerie Wright-St Clair⁷  Lorna Dyall⁸  Mere Kepa⁸ 

[1] Alfred Deakin Research Institute, Deakin University, Sydney, Australia;Department of Community Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;Department of General Practice and Primary Healthcare, University of Auckland, Private Bay, 92109, Auckland, New Zealand;Dept of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand;Freemasons’ Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand;School of Rehabilitation & Occupation Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand;Te Kupenga Hauora, Department of Māori Studies, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;

关键词: Advanced age;    Successful ageing;    Longitudinal study;    Cohort;    Indigenous health;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2318-12-33

 received in 2011-11-17, accepted in 2012-06-29,  发布年份 2012

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe number of people of advanced age (85 years and older) is increasing and health systems may be challenged by increasing health-related needs. Recent overseas evidence suggests relatively high levels of wellbeing in this group, however little is known about people of advanced age, particularly the indigenous Māori, in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This paper outlines the methods of the study Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand. The study aimed to establish predictors of successful advanced ageing and understand the relative importance of health, frailty, cultural, social & economic factors to successful ageing for Māori and non-Māori in New Zealand.Methods/designA total population cohort study of those of advanced age. Two cohorts of equal size, Māori aged 80–90 and non-Māori aged 85, oversampling to enable sufficient power, were enrolled. A defined geographic region, living in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board areas of New Zealand, defined the sampling frame. Rūnanga (Māori tribal organisations) and Primary Health Organisations were subcontracted to recruit on behalf of the University. Measures - a comprehensive interview schedule was piloted and administered by a trained interviewer using standardised techniques. Socio-demographic and personal history included tribal affiliation for Māori and participation in cultural practices; physical and psychological health status used standardised validated research tools; health behaviours included smoking, alcohol use and nutrition risk; and environmental data included local amenities, type of housing and neighbourhood. Social network structures and social support exchanges are recorded. Measures of physical function; gait speed, leg strength and balance, were completed. Everyday interests and activities, views on ageing and financial interests complete the interview. A physical assessment by a trained nurse included electrocardiograph, blood pressure, hearing and vision, anthropometric measures, respiratory function testing and blood samples.DiscussionA longitudinal study of people of advanced age is underway in New Zealand. The health status of a population based sample of older people will be established and predictors of successful ageing determined.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Hayman et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012