Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face unique challenges as they age due to the ongoing impacts of colonisation, which has led to disparities in health and wellbeing compared to non-Indigenous people.

^{SAHMRI Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity.}

Creating environments that support ageing well for the growing older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population requires an understanding of community needs and priorities while establishing strong relationships with Elders, local health services and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.

Over the past year the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity research team has listened to the unique perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across South Australia, in partnership with Office for Ageing Well, Department of Human Services, and participating Aboriginal organisation representatives. The South Australian Aboriginal Ageing Well Research Priorities project research team interviewed 55 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members from metropolitan and regional locations from June 2024 to March 2025 to listen to their views on ageing well and priorities in their community.

The findings from these interviews were presented at a workshop in July 2025 to policy, research and community service representatives who provided feedback on the research priorities through group discussions.Whilst Aboriginal people share similar priorities to support ageing well, such as the importance of home and communities, being able to navigate life transitions and having meaningful connections, there are unique distinctions. For example, connection to country, connection to culture and connection to community are foundations for ageing well.

The outcomes from this project will help inform the next state ageing well plan 2026-2036.

Wardliparingga AHE theme at SAHMRI

The Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity (AHE) theme at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) aims to create an equitable nation through research that improves the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Wardliparingga brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers with diverse knowledge and skillsets in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Led by Professor Odette Pearson (Eastern Yalanji and Torres Strait Islander) and A/Professor Kim Morey (Anmatyerre and Eastern Arrernte), AHE researchers have spent the past decade conducting community-driven research that aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

If you wish to learn more about the work of the Wardliparingga AHE theme at SAHMRI, visit the SAHMRI website or Contact the team via email wardliparingga@sahmri.com or phone (08) 8128 4000.