It's about who they are and what they can do: Māori perspectives on frailty in later life.

AIM:This study aimed to explore Māori (the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) understandings of frailty. METHOD:Focus groups were held with older Māori in supported living, health professionals working with older Māori and a rural community. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS:Two interlinked, overarching themes emerged: (1) Frailty is a multidimensional experience, not simply a physical one. (2) The experience of frailty is a balance between deficits and strengths. The Waikare o te Waka o Meihana model provided a useful framework for structuring the thematic results. CONCLUSIONS:Culturally appropriate and comprehensive support and care for older Māori with frailty will be facilitated by a rounded strength-based approach and listening skills.