Over the last few decades, a wide number of varying ethnicities have settled in New Zealand, all of whom bring different cultures, values systems and ways of life. As a result of this, the face of older people is changing in New Zealand. This will result in occupational therapists needing to be more culturally aware and sensitive towards citizens of New Zealand as they age and hold onto their unique cultures (Wright St. Clair, 2008). This could possibly clash with currently held 'European' social norms (Wright St. Clair, 2008).
Already, occupational therapy is very aware and sensitive to tangata whaiora values in its competencies and clinical practice reflects these high standards. In the future, it will be essential to move from being culturally safe, to being culturally competent with a wide range of cultures as diversity of clients will be an integral part of New Zealand occupational therapy practice in the future.
Occupational therapists will need to be ever more tactful, sensitive and aware of their own beliefs and prejudices. An understanding of what 'meaningful occupation' to older people of other cultures encompasses will also be essential (Wright St. Clair, 2008). Linking back to working at a community and population level, the profession will need to ensure its messages can somehow relate to a wide range of cultures.
Jamie
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