Age-Friendly University Study

A funded research project by the Gerontology Institute to evaluate age-friendly supports and barriers for life-long learners on GSU's campus in Atlanta, GA.

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Project Overview

Participatory research study that employed the use of focus groups, interviews, and surveys.

As a research lead, I did the following:

  • Designed study protocols, iterated based on IRB feedback, and designed recruitment materials.
  • Tracked project progress using SharePoint.
  • Performed extensive literature review to design research protocols and determine methods.
  • Presented project to Gerontology Institute for funding.
  • Study is ongoing at Georgia State University thanks to the foundation laid by myself and my mentor, Dr. Barber.

Why these methods?

The methods for this project were specifically selected because they allow the communities directly impacted by this work to actively engage in the process of change. This project aims to empower individuals by involving them in meaningful decision-making and providing them with opportunities to share their voices.

  • Data-Collection Walk: I selected this method to give participants the opportunity to provide feedback in a real-world setting, something traditional interviews or focus groups can't capture.
    • By walking alongside older adult learners, I was able to observe their daily challenges, mobility concerns, and environmental factors, offering a unique perspective on how our campus supports and acts as a barrier to age-friendliness.
  • Focus Groups: Focus groups were chosen because they provide an interactive way for participants to share, reflect, and learn from one another.
    • This method encourages dialogue, which can spark new insights and solutions that might not emerge in one-on-one interviews.
    • It also creates a sense of community among participants, further empowering them.
  • Interviews: Interviews were selected for their ability to delve deeply into individual experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
    • Interviews allow for more personal, nuanced conversation, where I could ask follow-up questions, clarify responses, and build rapport with participants.
    • This method was crucial for capturing rich, qualitative data that provided a detailed understanding of the participants' unique perspectives and needs.

Additional Details

  • Tools: SharePoint, Canva, Qualtrics.
  • Methods: Focus Group, Interview, Survey, Literature Review.
  • Results: Project is in progress, completion by the end of Spring 2025.