He Taonga Te Wareware: Connecting Older Māori Experiences of Wairuatanga with Mate Wareware (Dementia)

Abstract

Mate wareware (dementia) is a complex disease of the brain that progressively inhibits memory and cognitive ability, affecting many Māori (the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) kaumātua (elderly persons) in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Mate wareware care aims to protect and sustain wellbeing, yet Māori perspectives of wellbeing that consider wairuatanga (Māori spirituality) are often neglected within current treatment planning. This study investigates the presence of wairuatanga within kaumātua lives, drawing upon 61 interviews with kaumātua to glean a Māori understanding of mate wareware and to develop a diagnostic screening tool for mate wareware. Recorded responses were thematically analysed using reflexive qualitative analysis, informing four key themes that influence wairuatanga: he hononga tangata (social connection), tūrangawaewae (places of connection), tuakiritanga (identity) and mahi mauritau (mindful practices). These themes consider the value of creating rich and gratifying lifestyles for kaumātua that cultivate their spiritual wellbeing. This study validates diverse understandings and experiences of wairuatanga as essential to Māori wellbeing, affirming the relevance of wairuatanga to improve outcomes for Māori living with mate wareware.