Li, Wendy (2013) Climate change and tropical ageing in place. In: Presentations from the 46th Australian Association of Gerontology National Conference. From: 46th Australian Association of Gerontology National Conference: grey expectations, 27-29 November 2013, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

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Abstract

The proportion of Australia's population in older age groups continues to increase. To respond to this phenomenon, the Australian Government has reiterated a commitment to a healthy ageing Australia. The National Strategy for an Ageing Australia provides a framework for national response to the challenges and opportunities that an older Australia presents. Healthy ageing is one of the four areas identified in the Strategy that affect population ageing well. Healthy ageing is defined as the development and maintenance of optimal physical, social and mental wellbeing for Australian people throughout their lives. To achieve the goal of healthy ageing, the Australian Aged Care Reform Package 2012 aims at providing $955.4 million over five years in its spent to help older people to stay at home, namely, ageing in place (AiP). AiP as a philosophy of care means older people are supported to remain in the same environment as their care needs increase. Employing a qualitative approach, this research explores the impact of climate change on AiP in northern Queensland. Three senior families from different cultural backgrounds—Anglo Australian, Indigenous Australian and Forced Migrant Australian each—took part in the research. The participants reported that they were vulnerable to heat wave and natural disasters such as cyclones. Compared to older people in general population, Indigenous and forced migrant participants reported higher levels of vulnerability to heat wave and natural disasters due to their lower social economic status and less access to aged care services. This research suggests that it is important to include indigenous and migrant populations and their perspectives in discussion of climate change and its impact on aged care, for reasons of equity and justice and ensuring effectiveness of relevant policies.

Item ID:	31425
Item Type:	Conference Item (Presentation)
Keywords:	ageing in place, climate change, tropical, Australia
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2014 04:11
FoR Codes:	17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170102 Developmental Psychology and Ageing @ 50% 17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170113 Social and Community Psychology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920502 Health Related to Ageing @ 100%
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