From Alpha to Omega -
Research Plays an Important Role
Most of SRA Research Group’s non-profit work has been for
society’s Alpha and Omega—the most vulnerable in our
community—children and seniors. Without properly addressing
the needs of both groups, quality of life is diminished for everyone.
In the Omega Project, SRA was challenged with finding ways to help
the oldest residents of Palm Beach County, Florida age with dignity,
independence, and good health. The broad goals of the project were
to assess lifestyles, develop wellness strategies, establish the
best selection of senior services, and determine the needs of senior
service caregivers.
Through focus groups, telephone surveys, and community dialogues,
we examined factors that had the greatest impact on the ability
of seniors to maintain the highest quality of life possible.
We found that seniors enjoy their independence and prefer, whenever
possible, taking care of themselves. They see nothing negative about
the term “senior,” and in fact, many consider it a term
of respect.
The mindset, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,”
clearly did not apply to most seniors. The Omega Project research
showed that while seniors may not yet be called “techies,”
they are on the brink of becoming a growth market for the computer
industry.
Seniors often don’t know where to find help, and repeatedly
expressed a need for a single information source about available
services. As a result of the research, a three-digit helpline 211
was made available to all residents of the county.
One of the most revealing results of our research was the extent
to which seniors are taking on the role of caregiver to the very
young in economically-depressed areas. This finding alone illustrates
the connection between all segments of the community and the importance
of getting services and support to the people who need them the
most.
There is no doubt that research can play an integral role in the
community, whether it’s helping businesses to expand their
marketplace or defining solutions that positively impact the wellness
of a diverse population. Success can be measured in many ways. Reaching
those in need and ensuring the strength of the community is perhaps
the most profitable endeavor of all. ‡
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