He Taonga Te Wareware: Connecting Older M āori Experiences of Wairuatanga with Mate Wareware (Dementia)

This study investigates the presence of wairuatanga within kaumātua lives, drawing upon 61 interviews with kaumātua to glean a Māori understanding of mate wareware and to develop a diagnostic screening tool for mate wareware. Recorded responses were thematically analysed using reflexive qu alitative analysis, informing four key themes that influence wairuatanga:he hononga tangata (social connection),t ūrangawaewae (places of connection),tuakiritanga (identity) andmahi mauritau (mindful practices). These themes consider the value of creating rich and gratifying lifestyles for kaum ātua that cultivate their spiritual wellbeing. This study validates diverse understandings and experiences of wairuatanga as essential to Māori wellbeing, affirming the relevance of wairuatanga to improve outcomes for Māori living with mate wareware.
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research