Do you live or work in Springfield and are aged 60 years or older?
University of Queensland (UQ) researchers are exploring the role of “third places” in the health and wellbeing of older adults in Springfield and are looking for participants.
By helping, you could win a $50 Coles Group Gift Card.
Third places refer to social surroundings that are separate from the home (the first place) and the workplace (the second place).
They include parks, churches, cafes, libraries, markets, and gyms, just to name a few. Third places are public places where people have opportunities to socialise with others.
There is growing research that shows third places play a key role in promoting social connections and physical activities among older populations, thereby contributing to their health and wellbeing.
This study is being conducted through a partnership between The Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing, based in Springfield, and The UQ School of Architecture, Urban Design and Planning.
Vital research
Collecting data about how older adults use third spaces for their health and wellbeing is vital research.
The information provided by participants will help UQ identify the opportunities and challenges in Springfield for urban planning initiatives designed with older adults in mind.
The researchers will publish the results from the study and use this to inform policy makers about how to refine resources and services in Springfield that ensure the health and wellbeing of its older adults.
How it works
Participants will be given a 7-day diary used to collect information about the benefits of being in third places.
Participants will be asked to record their time, activity, and social connections in public third space.
They will then be interviewed by the researchers via phone, online or in a mutually convenient location. The interview will take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the participants’ answers.
All information collected about participants will remain strictly confidential, and all data will be securely stored within a password protected electronic UQ system.
To thank the participants, everyone will go into a draw to win one of two $50 Coles Group Gift Cards.
– Professor Lauren Ball
The University of Queensland Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing at Springfield
If you, or someone you know would like to participate, please contact our lead researcher Emma at e.hennessey@uq.net.au.
To be eligible to participate, you must be over the age of 60 and either live or work in Springfield.
We are still conducting our Springfield Health and Wellbeing Check In survey. Please
visit loom.ly/9lzh85U or scan this QR code to take part.
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