Ageing in Indigenous Australians

Australia’s First People, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, have inhabited the Australian continent for some 60,000+ years. They comprise hundreds of individual nation groups, each with its own beliefs, stories and traditions. Prior to European colonization in 1788 they enjoyed varied diets, active lifestyles and resulting good health derived from their deep connection with each other and the lands on which they lived. The arrival of Europeans brought not only new diseases but had such a profound impact on the social determinants of health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and these ramifications remain overtly evident to this day. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples revere their elders and ageing is viewed as a particularly auspicious time of life in many Indigenous cultures. Due to increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are often affected by the conditions of age at a much younger age than other Australians. This chapter will examine the health disparities facing Australia’s First People with respect to ageing, and explore the historical context, modern-day consequences and current responses to this complex issue.