Grey nomads: health and health preparation of older travellers in remote Australia

• Reach:

  VIC

• Focus area:

  Mainstream with Indigenous content

• Status:

  Completed

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

This study was conducted by Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council. The premise for the study was that many older Australians (known as 'grey nomads') now tour remote Australia. Anecdotal evidence suggests they place a burden on limited remote health services, however, this burden is poorly documented. As a first step toward addressing this burden, the study investigated a cohort of older Australians in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

The results found that older patients are poorly prepared for travel in remote Australia. They have a chronic disease rate no less than the national prevalence, and could represent a drain on local health resources. Solutions might include:

• general practitioner review before travel
• bringing sufficient medication for the trip
• review of vaccination requirements
• a health summary.

Abstract adapted from Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council

Contacts

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Counci
Cnr Anne St and Dora St
PO Box 1377
Broome WA 6725
Ph: (08) 9194 3200
Fax: (08) 9192 2500
Email: kamsc@kamsc.org.au

Links

• View article: Grey nomads: health and health preparation of older travellers in remote Australia
• View information: Grey nomads: health and health preparation of older travellers in remote Australia
• View information: Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council - research projects
• View website: Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council