What Makes for Healthy Ageing in the Torres Strait?

Objective: Many studies focus on impediments to healthy ageing, but few examine factors leading to healthy ageing. Whilst many older First Nations people are ageing well, few studies have examined this issue in First Nations people. This study examined indicators associated with healthy ageing in the Torres Strait region of Queensland, Australia.

Methods: Data from a Torres Strait Dementia Prevalence Study (2015-2018) were used to explore indicators of healthy ageing in 249 participants. A specific Torres Strait Healthy Ageing Index was created, based on 10 indicators from the dataset. One point was assigned for each indicator, with higher scores representing healthier ageing. This Index was then used to assess healthy ageing in a subset of participants aged 70 years and older.

Results: Healthy ageing scores were higher in younger people. However, among 80 people aged ≥ 70 years, many were ageing well according to the healthy ageing index, with 44% scoring 7-8 and 28% scoring 9-10. Age-adjusted analyses identified that more education, lack of vascular risk factors, good medication prescribing patterns, absence of stroke and geographic location were all associated with a higher healthy ageing index.

Conclusions: Our study suggested that many older First Nations residents of the Torres Strait region were ageing in a healthy way, based on the indicators available. The results showed both predictable and unexpected associations with healthy ageing. Stroke prevention stood out as a key priority. These results highlight the need for prospective population studies to better understand, promote and celebrate healthy ageing in this population.