Counting the ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people participate in their communities and culture

Abstract Objectives This 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 socio-cultural characteristic associated with participation. Methods The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (2014-15) was used to measure prevalence of participation in cultural events and activities. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure associations. Socio-cultural factors were selected by matching survey items to the 12 socio-cultural factors described in the Good Spirit Good Life Framework, a culturally validated quality-of-life tool for older people. Results 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 organisations. Many (58.5%) also participated in activities (e.g., fishing, hunting, gathering wild plants/berries, arts/crafts, music/dance/theatre, writing/telling of stories). In regression models including demographic and cultural variables, participation in cultural events was highest amongst people living remotely (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. Discussion The social lives of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were characterised by the widespread participation in cultural events and activities. These findings provide important insights to services as they support older people to live a good life.