Healthy Ageing & Dementia Prevention: A Comparative Analysis of Rural and Regional Older Australian Perspectives
Tracks
Chancellor 6
Community
Dementia
Meaningful engagement
| Thursday, November 14, 2024 |
| 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM |
Speaker
Ms Danna Lee
PhD Candidate
University of the Sunshine Coast
Healthy Ageing & Dementia Prevention: A Comparative Analysis of Rural and Regional Older Australian Perspectives
Abstract
Dementia, affecting over 400,000 Australians, is a leading cause of dependency and disability among older adults. Both rural and regional Australians face heightened risk of dementia due to challenges related to healthcare access and resource availability. However, differences in geographical locations and community infrastructure may give rise to distinct experiences among older adults.
Our study aimed to compare and contrast the unique perspectives of older adults in rural and regional areas regarding healthy ageing and dementia prevention, focusing on their access to community resources. To achieve this, we conducted ten focus groups across rural and regional Queensland, comprising five sessions in small rural towns, two in large rural towns, and three in regional centres. In total 45 older adults (aged 65+, 88% female) participated.
Our findings revealed both similarities and differences in perspectives. Common priorities, regardless of rurality, included concerns about limited healthcare services and dementia resources. Rural participants highlighted challenges related to transportation barriers to accessing healthcare services and the absence of dedicated dementia prevention resources within their communities. Conversely, regional participants perceived adequate community-led social resources but emphasised a lack of dementia education and information.
This comparative analysis underscores the importance of considering the unique contexts and available resources of rural and regional communities in developing initiatives for promoting healthy ageing and dementia prevention. Future research is needed to co-design interventions to meet the diverse needs of older adult populations and develop place-based solutions across various geographical regions.
Our study aimed to compare and contrast the unique perspectives of older adults in rural and regional areas regarding healthy ageing and dementia prevention, focusing on their access to community resources. To achieve this, we conducted ten focus groups across rural and regional Queensland, comprising five sessions in small rural towns, two in large rural towns, and three in regional centres. In total 45 older adults (aged 65+, 88% female) participated.
Our findings revealed both similarities and differences in perspectives. Common priorities, regardless of rurality, included concerns about limited healthcare services and dementia resources. Rural participants highlighted challenges related to transportation barriers to accessing healthcare services and the absence of dedicated dementia prevention resources within their communities. Conversely, regional participants perceived adequate community-led social resources but emphasised a lack of dementia education and information.
This comparative analysis underscores the importance of considering the unique contexts and available resources of rural and regional communities in developing initiatives for promoting healthy ageing and dementia prevention. Future research is needed to co-design interventions to meet the diverse needs of older adult populations and develop place-based solutions across various geographical regions.
Biography
Danna is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Manna Institute for Rural Mental Health, drawing upon her expertise in cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience. Her research focuses on utilising a comprehensive mixed methods approach, which involves combining surveys and focus groups in collaboration with rural and regional communities. Through these partnerships, Danna seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of older adults on healthy ageing and dementia prevention in rural and regional Australia.
Driven by a passion for making a tangible difference in individual communities, Danna's research aims to co-design a prototype for dementia risk reduction. This innovative approach is specifically tailored to address the unique needs, challenges, and experiences of older adults living in rural and regional areas. Ultimately, her goal is to deliver authentic dementia support that enhances mental wellbeing in these communities and lays the foundation for broader, place-based programs.
Session Chair
Marguerite Bramble
Adjunct Assoc Professor
Charles Sturt University
