Over time, many communities have evolved their traditions to match the modern world in which they live. The Māori communities have not been left behind. As they have moved to urban areas over the years, they have changed some of their ways to adjust to their new environments. However, they have held on to the values that have shaped them for centuries, especially when it comes to their health. We take a look at how these communities approach health in general and why many other communities are borrowing a leaf from them.
The Key Elements of Health in Māori Communities
Do you often think of health as an individual thing? Well, the Māori communities do not. Instead, they look at it as something that goes beyond the person and affects the people around them. What's more, they believe that a person's needs change with time as they move from one stage of life to another. As such, they seek to address the health of the community as a whole in the following ways:
Whānau Health
People are part of a larger community. And the stronger the community, the stronger the person who relies on this community. For this reason, the Maori focus on the things that can empower the communities, including the following:
- Healthy Kai (Food). Food is more than just a way to fuel people's bodies. Instead, it is a way to connect to the land and preserve the community's customs. That's why Maori communities grow, prepare, and share traditional foods with each other.
- Exercise. When people move their bodies, they not only benefit physically but also spiritually. As such, the community encourages people to be part of shared activities like hikoi (walks) and waka ama (canoeing), where they can connect with the land, their customs, and other people.
- Sleep. The better that people sleep, the better their mental and emotional health. And as much as the communities encourage people to remain active, they also set out time for people to sleep and pray.
- Parenting help. People say that it takes a village to raise a child, and that's especially true for the Maori. When a couple has a baby, they get help from their immediate family. Not only does this lessen the physical and mental load on the parents, but it also helps the child grow up surrounded by their community.
In addition to the help from families, parents also get access to other resources, including community-led parenting programs and Whānau Ora navigators who help them access basic needs to provide for their families. In every possible way, the community works to serve the needs of all so that society can provide for the needs of each person.
Kaumātua Health
Elders in communities pass on customs to the younger generations, offer their wisdom to community members, and keep the traditions alive. However, they face unique health challenges that younger community members may not face. That's why Kaumātua health focuses on the following:
- Mobility. Like many other older people, elders in the Māori communities are likely to develop health conditions that can limit their mobility, e.g., diabetes. So, the community health service workers help those affected to get the support they need to maintain as much independence as they can.
- Disease management. The Māori communities have always had ways to help elders manage health conditions. But now, they have found ways to integrate these cultural practices with clinical medicine to ensure their strategies are highly effective.
- Social connections. As people get older, it's important for them to keep participating in community events. It's not just good for them mentally but also physically, which is why the community comes up with several community events geared toward the elders.
The more support the elders have, the less isolated they feel, and the longer they can maintain their independence.
Rangatahi Health
The sustainability of the Māori traditions comes down to current generations, which is why Rangatahi (youth) health is very important. But what does it entail?
- Sexual health. This category, which also leans on Māori customs, focuses on empowering younger people with knowledge about their bodies. That way, they can make the best decisions when it comes to relationships and sexual partners.
- Mental health. Many Māori rangatahi have been experiencing different forms of mental distress. To help them work through these setbacks, the communities have come up with programs that address the realities of the modern world.
- Communal health. Studies have shown that when people have a strong sense of belonging, they feel supported and are more resilient in the face of challenges. That's why Māori communities have been educating the rangatahi about their traditions to help them connect with their ancestors.
It's all about acknowledging the fact that the rangatahi face different challenges and finding ways to address these while giving them enough support.
Pēpi and Tamariki
Babies and children are the future of the Māori communities. So, how are the communities working towards providing them with the care they need?
- Immunizations. Healthcare workers have found that by working with the Māori communities, they can educate parents on the need for immunization and address any questions that the parents may have. Thanks to this, they have been carrying out successful immunization programs.
- Development milestones tracking. Rather than seeing the child's growth as purely physical and cognitive, the communities emphasize the need for development in other areas, including social, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
A big part of the pēpi and tamariki health ties back to the whanau health we discussed earlier, such that healthcare services aim at supporting the parents so that the benefits of this can trickle back to the children, and the society as a whole.
