Kaumātuatanga – Māori and Ageing in New Zealand: A Literature Review

Perceptions of Indigenous populations as young may be limiting understandings of the ever changing needs and aspirations of the Māori population. In addition to our knowledge of the increasing older Māori population, the Māori population is also increasingly urbanized, meaning specific attention to the needs of urban older Māori will have to be made. The needs of this growing population will be of concern to policy makers and healthcare practitioners, and it is essential that the distinctive needs of ageing Māori are understood and met. The purpose of this literature review is to examine what research currently exists on the experiences of older Māori, and where possible, older urban Māori specifically, and to identify gaps in the literature and areas of further research.