This report presents key findings about three aspects of oral health in advanced age; denture use, chewing difficulty and use of the dentist.
Findings are from a population-based sample of Māori (aged 80 to 90 years) and non-Māori (aged 85 years), living in the Bay of Plenty, who are taking part in a longitudinal study of advanced ageing, called Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand - Te Puāwaitanga O Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu (LiLACS NZ).
The report is available on the LiLACS NZ publications website.
Purpose
The aims of the research are to:
- describe the health status of Māori and non-Māori of advanced age
- explore the different health and other age-related and amenable factors that impact on the health status of people of advanced age
- explore the factors that can assist people of advanced age to maintain their independence
- explore how health and social services can ameliorate the health problems of age
- provide information for people on how they maintain their health and wellbeing and independence in advanced age.
Key Results
Dentures were worn by most (76%) people in advanced age. Among those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation, Māori were less likely to wear dentures than non-Māori. One in four people (24%) in advanced age had difficulty chewing, primarily due to ill-fitting dentures or missing teeth. Fewer Māori visited the dentist than non-Māori.