Reflections on the health issues faced by our vulnerable wāhine

Edith’s story. Reflections on the health issues faced by our vulnerable wahine

Edith* is 82 years old, a widow for the past ten years, and has lived alone since her husband passed away. She has no children, but a distant niece visits her occasionally. Edith's health issues are many, reflecting the common struggles faced by vulnerable older women in Aotearoa. 

One of the most pressing concerns for Edith is her struggle with chronic diseases. She has arthritis, which makes even simple tasks like opening a jar or walking to the mailbox a painful endeavour. Heart disease and diabetes add to her list of ailments, each requiring careful management through medication and lifestyle changes. Edith often finds it overwhelming to juggle her medications and dietary restrictions, especially on her limited pension.

She is well aware of her need to keep on top of these meds. Heart disease has claimed the lives of several of her friends - in fact it is the number one killer of New Zealand wahine, killing more than 55 women every week.

Mental health is another challenge Edith faces, and she is often too proud to confide in her feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Living alone after her husband's death has taken a toll on her mental wellbeing. Edith's situation is not unique; many older women like her battle depression and anxiety, often silently. Regular check-ups have become as much about mental health support as they are about physical health management.

Related to mental health is social isolation. Her niece’s visits are infrequent, and her friends are either too frail to visit or have passed away. The local community centre has been a lifeline, providing social interaction and a sense of belonging. Yet, the hours between those visits can be long and lonely and her lack of mobility makes getting out and about a challenge. 

Falls and injuries are a constant worry. Edith has had a couple of falls in the past year, resulting in minor fractures that took a long time to heal. Her balance isn’t what it used to be, and her eyesight is deteriorating, making her more prone to accidents. This frustrates Edith, who in her youth was an accomplished dancer.  Her care team has worked on home safety measures and balance exercises, but the fear of another fall is always there.

Access to healthcare is another hurdle. Edith lives in a rural area, and getting to the city for specialist appointments is a logistical nightmare. Public transport is scarce, and she can’t drive anymore. Financial constraints only add to the problem, making it hard for her to afford the care she needs. Telehealth is proving useful for regular check-ins and also helps with the social connection.  

Nutrition is a subtle yet significant issue. Edith has trouble chewing due to dental problems, and her appetite isn’t what it used to be. She often ends up eating whatever is easy to prepare, which isn’t always nutritious. Her weight fluctuates, a clear sign of underlying malnutrition. Regular visits from a community nurse help, but it's a constant battle to ensure she’s getting the nutrients she needs.

Cognitive decline is another area of concern seen in the elderly. Edith’s is not too bad, but she sometimes forgets her medication or misses appointments. While she’s still sharp in many ways, there is the worry of the early signs of dementia. It’s a delicate balance, addressing her cognitive health while respecting her independence and desire to live alone.

Cultural and language barriers are less of an issue for Edith, but they are significant for many of her contemporaries. Some older women from diverse backgrounds struggle to navigate the healthcare system due to language differences and cultural misunderstandings. Providing culturally sensitive care and language support is becoming an essential part of delivering accessible healthcare. Financial insecurity looms over everything.

We have an ageing population and reflecting on Edith’s story, and those of her peers, it’s clear that addressing these health challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Improving access to healthcare, enhancing mental health support, ensuring nutritional aid, and fostering community connections are critical steps.

Stories like Edith's is a reminder of the resilience and dignity of older women facing these challenges and the collective responsibility we have to support them. Edith's journey is ongoing, and each day brings new challenges and triumphs. Her story, and those of others like her, inspires us to continue advocating for better healthcare and support for our vulnerable older women. It’s a path marked by both struggle and hope, one step at a time.

*To protect Edith’s identity her name and image are fictitious.

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