Australasian Journal on Ageing

Overview of the current volume of the Australasian Journal on Ageing 

Jane Sims

Australasian Journal on Ageing

The current issue of the Australasian Journal on Ageing (Volume 35:2) contains articles that will appeal to both newcomers and longstanding practitioners of gerontology. The importance of providing culturally safe care is reviewed in the context of older New Zealanders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Health service planners are advised to target the increasing number of older men living alone, whose mental and physical health is poorer than those living with partners (Byles et al).

The fine line between risk aversion and the promotion of wellbeing amongst residents of aged care facilities is considered. Robinson and colleagues report on a novel trial of using a companion robot to reduce residents’ loneliness, whilst two papers discuss the complexities of managing chronic, in this instance, continence care, and acutely unwell residents. Continuing the quality improvement theme, there is an evaluation of a quality improvement intervention for medicine supply services.

Decisions made during transitions in ageing are captured by two papers: one on driving self-regulation and the other on offering reduced working hours to those close to retirement.

Learnings from across the Asia-Oceania region are proffered. Gray and colleagues studied personal strategies amongst caregivers in Thailand, highlighting some commonalities and cultural differences. Scherbov et al. discuss prospective old age dependency ratios.  Ng modelled labour force, income source and living arrangement data from Hong Kong and flags the need for expanded public pension provision as the traditional model of family support diminishes.

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Jane Sims