Wellness in the Face of Frailty Among Older Adults in First Nations Communities

Morgan Slater, Gabrielle Bruser, Roseanne Sutherland, Melissa K. Andrew, Wayne Warry, Kristen M. Jacklin, Jennifer D. Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: First Nations people report high levels of wellness despite high rates of chronic illness. Our goal was to understand the factors associated with wellness among First Nations adults in Ontario who were considered frail. Methods: Using the First Nations Regional Health Survey, we created a profile of First Nations adults (aged 45+) who were categorized as “frail” (weighted sample size = 8121). We used multivariate logistic regression to determine associations between wellness (as measured by self-reported physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual balance) and determinants of health. Results: Rates of reported wellness were high among those who were frail, ranging from 56.7% reporting physical balance to 71.6% reporting mental balance. Three key elements were associated with wellness: the availability of resources, individual lifestyle factors, and cultural connection and identity. Discussion: Our findings provide a profile of strength and wellness among older First Nations adults living with frailty.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)996-1004
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of aging and health
Volume34
Issue number6-8
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors would like to acknowledge the important contributions of the First Nations Aging Study Knowledge Circle: Derek Debassige and Annie O’Brien, and the Dementia Research Community Advisory Council and Anishinaabemowin Language Group on Manitoulin Island. We also would like to acknowledge the contributions of David Henry, Susan Bronskill, Janet Smylie, Donna Loft, Karen Pitawanakwat, Graham Mecredy, and Maureen Gustafson. The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Operating Grant).

Funding Information:
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Operating Grant).

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2022.

Keywords

  • first nations adults
  • frailty
  • participatory research
  • wellness

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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