Summary
Primary care in advanced age: Findings from LiLACS NZ presents key findings about primary health care for Māori (aged 80–90 years) and non-Māori (aged 85 years).
The findings are from a population-based sample of people in advanced age living in the Bay of Plenty, who are taking part in a longitudinal study of advanced ageing, called Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand – Te Puā waitanga O Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu (LiLACS NZ).
The report is available on the LiLACS NZ publications website.
Overview of key findings
- Nearly all people in advanced age (98%) saw a GP in the last 12 months and 87% of people visited a pharmacist.
- Māori were less likely than non-Māori to report that the doctor was excellent or very good at putting them at ease during their physical examination
- People who lived in the most socioeconomically deprived areas were more likely to visit the GP (99%) compared with those in the least deprived areas (96%).
- People in the most deprived areas (54%) were more likely to visit an optometrist compared with people in the least deprived areas (44%).
This information will assist the health sector, especially health policy analysts, planners and health care providers from district health boards, primary health organisations and Māori health providers to plan and deliver effective services to people in advanced age.
For more information
Further information about findings in this report and LiLACS NZ are on the LiLACS NZ website.