A South Australian-based research body is reaching out to Australians in online research to understand their evolving experience during the coronavirus pandemic.
Researchers at the not-for-profit Global Centre for Modern Ageing are conducting an online survey as part of a bigger six-month study to gauge how people are adapting to and navigating changes during this unique period – including what is working for them, what elements they are finding the most challenging and what solutions they may require.
The research findings will be made publicly available and will inform businesses, industries and governments of products and services that have the potential to improve people’s quality of life now and into the future.
“Many people are experiencing challenges during this unprecedented period of social distancing and we would like to build a deep understanding of the key changes that could make a difference for people,” said the chief executive of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing, Julianne Parkinson.
“Mapping people’s experiences – including their sense of anxiety, loneliness, challenges and changes to their daily routines and technology use – will provide important insights around how people are responding. We also expect that there are some things people are finding are working well and this survey will enable us to capture that too.”
The COVID-19 survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and can be found at www.gcma.net.au/covid19/research. Australians aged over 18 are invited to participate to enable the GCMA to compare the unique experiences of younger and older adults.
The Global Centre for Modern Ageing is committed to improving the lives of older people and Ms Parkinson said it is now “more important than ever for companies and organisations to understand the needs and wants of older people”.
“As older people are being strongly advised by the Federal Government to remain in their own homes during the coronavirus pandemic, the GCMA is encouraging all companies, especially those delivering goods and services to people’s homes, whether that be physically or digitally, to consult with their customers to better understand how to meet their needs through this unprecedented time.
“Older people are innovative and resilient with a wealth of lived experience. They will make the best of this situation, however, undoubtedly there will also be difficult times and the more that all of us – individuals, businesses and organisations – can empower older people during this pandemic the better.”
Through advocacy, market development, partnerships, research and learning, the Global Centre for Modern Ageing is committed to improving the lives of older people. The GCMA works closely with organisations and individuals to devise, build and commercialise products and services that allow older people to live and age well.
Located at South Australia’s Tonsley Innovation District, the Global Centre for Modern Ageing operates LifeLab – a leading, real-time test facility that allows businesses and research partners to invent and trial products and services for older people in a simulated ‘real-life’ environment.
