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Māori becoming peer educators in later life

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Authors:
Summary:

Kaumātua becoming peer educators had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing in a mixedmethods research study. Guided by kaupapa Māori and community-based participatory research principles, 26 Māori elders aged 55+ years were evaluated as peer educators for 121 kaumātua undergoing transitions of later life. Tuakana demonstrated strong communication skills and qualitative analysis revealed improvements in their sense of identity, wellbeing and social connectedness.

Comment:
For me, the findings speak to the importance of ‘lived experience’ and the ability to reflect on these experiences in meaningful ways to support others. Often difficult to qualify, the researchers have used kaupapa Māori measures to demonstrate the impact of kaumātua peers on collective wellbeing.
Reference: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2020;gbaa078. [Epub ahead of print]
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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