HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED MOBILITY CHALLENGES?

Researchers at the Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute (NHIRI) are seeking expressions of interest from older people with lived experience of mobility limitations due to functional limitations or older adults facing the onset of these limitations.

About the project

Independence and mobility are of the highest importance to maintain quality of life up to an old age. However, there are currently no community screening tools available that assess the risk of mobility loss before it manifests.

We aim to develop such a tool that can predict the risk for mobility loss and guide the development of treatment strategies tailored to each person. Your lived experience will help us understand the needs of a person with limited mobility and what information would improve your treatment.

About the position

As a research buddy, you will work closely with the researcher to ensure that their research is informed and guided by people with lived experience of mobility limitations.

What am I expected to do?

Your role as a research buddy will involve:

• Review Project Documents: Read and provide feedback on research proposals and other documents.
• Share Lived Experience: Share your personal experiences with mobility challenges to help researchers focus on real-life issues that matter.
• Ongoing Engagement: Take part in friendly, quarterly discussions with researchers and others with similar experiences to help create meaningful, practical solutions.

What skills or experience do I need?

• Lived Experience of Mobility Limitations: Direct personal experience of mobility limitations due to functional limitations, the decline of muscle strength, fear of falling, etc., and older adults facing the onset of these limitations.
• Willingness to Engage: Openness to reviewing research documents, providing detailed feedback, and participating respectfully in discussions with the research team.
• Communication Skills: Confidence in sharing your experience, opinions, and perspectives to help shape the research direction.

How long am I expected to be involved?

Initial involvement in developing the research proposal and then meetings every three months for the length of the project (potentially three years). The researchers are keen to have your ongoing involvement over the course of the whole project, if possible.

Where will meetings be held?

We can meet at a location suitable for you.

What support is offered?

$37.50 per hour honorarium

Further Information

Contact Dr Marion Mundt: m.mundt@ecu.edu.au