Researchers from the University of Auckland are seeking more than 1000 New Zealanders of advanced age to participate in an ambitious study to learn how and why people live long lives.

“Our population is growing older and we need to understand how to help New Zealanders age well,” says lead researcher Professor Ngaire Kerse from The University of Auckland. “Right now we know very little about what contributes to a long and healthy life in this country, and international research can tell us only so much.”

“We need to understand ageing in the context of our own culture, ethnicities, social structures, environment, and health status, and it’s essential to include the experiences of both Maori and non-Maori. Our study, which is the first about advanced age in New Zealand, aims to honour and learn from the experiences of our elders.” With Drs Lorna Dyall and Mere Kepa, the study facilitates both Maori and non Maori involvement through local Maori and health provider groups.

The goals of the research are to help people to plan better for their own health and wellbeing in later life, to allow elderly New Zealanders to share their wisdom with future generations, and to inform the development of local and national policies to benefit older people.

The LILACS NZ (Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand, Te Puawaitanga o Nga Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu) longitudinal study aims to enrol 600 Maori aged 80–90 years and 600 non-Maori aged 85 years from the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Whakatane, and Opotiki. Enrolment will begin on 1 March 2010 and continue for one year. The researchers hope to visit study participants over the next 10 years to follow the changes in their lives.

People who agree to take part will be interviewed about how their lives are now, and what is important to their ongoing wellbeing. The questionnaire, developed in close consultation with older people and guided by the Roopukaitiaki o nga tikanga Maori (Protectors of Principles of Conduct in Maori Research), covers the physical, mental, social, spiritual and family aspects of life. The interviews will take place at a location of the participants’ choosing and can be conducted in English or te reo Maori.

Participants will also receive a free health assessment and have the option of giving a blood sample. All of the interviews and assessments will be done by local people from local organisations.

“Our local partners provide a vital link between their communities and the core research team at The University of Auckland,” says Professor Kerse “Their place in the community offers local people confidence in the research and helps us to share information about the study and its findings.”

Important insights have already been gained from a pilot study designed to establish the feasibility of LILACS NZ. The results, reported in late 2009, revealed that Maori elders were extremely positive about their lives and highly engaged with their communities. Elders who participated in the pilot made an invaluable contribution and worked extensively with the research team to develop the interview questions that will be used in LILACS NZ and to provide feedback on the pilot results.

Anyone who would like more information on LILACS NZ or to enrol in the study may call 0800 LILACS (0800 545 227) or contact their local research partner.

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Originally posted February 2010.

Disclaimer
This is a summary article based on information from the University of Auckland. Knowledgeable New Zealand health consumers may also find this article useful. This information is intended solely for New Zealand residents and is of a general nature only and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided and at all times should obtain specific advice from a health professional. All rights reserved. © UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.