What keeps you strong? A systematic review identifying how primary health-care and aged-care services can support the well-being of older Indigenous peoples

Aim: The objective of this systematic review was to identify primary health-care or aged-care strategies that have or could support the well-being of older Indigenous peoples. 

Methods: A search was undertaken of primary databases including Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Papers which reported on the perspectives of older Indigenous peoples, community members and provider participants were included. Findings were pooled using a meta-aggregative approach. 

Results: Three high-level synthesised findings – maintaining Indigenous identity, promoting independence and delivering culturally safe care – were believed to be important for supporting the well-being of older Indigenous peoples. 

Conclusions: As physical independence often diminishes with age, having the support of culturally safe primary health-care and aged-care services that understand the importance of maintaining an Indigenous identity and promoting independence will be crucial for the well-being of older Indigenous peoples.