The Development of a Framework to Support Ageing Well in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia

OBJECTIVE: Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are central to their communities, providing cultural leadership and care. However, colonisation and systemic inequities have led to significant health disparities, with chronic diseases and dementia disproportionately affecting those aged over the age of 55 years. This study aimed to develop a strengths-based framework to support healthy ageing in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. METHODS: A participatory action research approach was conducted across five communities, involving yarning circles with 45 community members, clinical audits of 1128 residents using the Healthy Ageing Audit Tool (HAAT) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives. Findings informed the co-design of an Ageing Well Framework, refined through stakeholder workshops and community feedback. RESULTS: The HAAT audit revealed high rates of chronic disease and multimorbidity among adults aged over 55 years, alongside gaps in preventive care, including low rates of cardiovascular risk and dementia screening and limited follow-up for abnormal findings. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities highlighted opportunities to improve culturally appropriate care, such as increased use of Indigenous Health Workers, validated screening tools and comprehensive health assessments. The co-designed Ageing Well Framework outlined strategies at community, primary health care and individual levels to promote cultural and social connectedness, independence and ageing in place. CONCLUSION: The Ageing Well Framework provides a culturally responsive, evidence-based guide to improving health and well-being for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It fosters collaboration across sectors and prioritises cultural determinants of health, supporting holistic care and addressing health inequities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).