We receive many requests for our members to participate in various research projects relevant to seniors but we are selective about the ones we pass on, as we do not want to bombard you with too much information of this type.
However, at the moment we have a very specific request from U3A Network Victoria to promote a research project they are involved in with RMIT on our use of Information and Communication Technology, as well as another being run by Melbourne University on Knee Osteoarthritis
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) survey
The aim of the survey is to understand how older people use today’s ICT to engage in the digital economy. The survey relates to both:
- ICT – that is, all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, mobile phones and tablets, computers, software, video-chatting and conferencing platforms, social networking and social media.
- The digital economy – that is, the use of internet-enabled ICT to engage, communicate, and transact with people such as family, friends, colleagues and organisations like online shops, banking services, health professionals and agencies, government support services.
You do not have to be an expert or heavy user of ICT to participate. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and any information you provide will be treated with confidentiality.
To access the survey, click the following link: https://rmit.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wiyMIvbiBVvrU1
Every U3A member who fully completes the entire survey will go into a draw for one of twenty $50 WISH gift vouchers. The survey ends on 31 March.
You can find information about the research team at https://shapingconnections.org or you can contact the researchers directly via email: or
PEAK Study: Physiotherapy, Exercise and physical Activity for Knee osteoarthritis
This study is comparing two methods of delivery of physiotherapy on the pain and function levels of people with knee osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition in adults, causing pain and reduced quality of life. Findings from this study will help inform physiotherapists and health service providers about the most effective methods of delivering physiotherapy services to people with osteoarthritis.
The researchers are looking for volunteers aged over 45 years who have knee pain. All treatments are provided at no charge by physiotherapists located across Melbourne.
More information on the study is available in this Plain Language Statement or at https://peakstudy.com.au or by contacting Penny Campbell ()