The Plug-in worked with a leading active ageing service provider to explore the things that people are looking for in local active ageing services such as recreation and fitness, allied health, nursing and social experiences.

The provider is currently scoping a redevelopment of a residential facility located in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, featuring an on-site health studio and community hub with allied health options.

The findings of this project will assist the provider to make an informed decision about offering access to the facilities to non-residents and clearly articulate what changes or improvements should be factored into a major redevelopment of the facility.

Research objectives

Specifically, the research aimed to understand the perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of the public and the provider’s current customers towards a planned redevelopment of the facility, as well as an indication of likelihood to use.

Project methodology

The research was carried out over two stages, which comprised of focus groups and a survey.

Stage 1 — Focus Groups

The Plug-in held three focus groups in May 2021 each with a different target audience. All participants were aged 50 years or older and were either residents of or regular visitors to the local area.

Focus group participants discussed their experiences of accessing active ageing services around their local area to help inform the design and location of active ageing and community services that meet the needs of over 50s in the local City of Onkaparinga area.

Focus group participants received a $40 gift card as a thank you for their time.

Stage 2 — Online Survey

Participants were recruited from The Plug-in’s community of influencers to complete an online survey. The survey was open for a period of two weeks in June 2021. A total of 225 people responded to the survey with 180 completing the survey in full.

All respondents were aged 50 years or over and represented a diverse range of demographics, with 32 identifying as living local to the aged care facility and proposed community hub.

Findings

Overall, the research findings delivered on the project objects and supported four key principles or community needs that should underpin the design of a community hub:

  • Social connections
  • Over 50s understanding
  • Accessibility
  • Affordability

We thank everyone for their participation in this important research project, and for so generously sharing insights to help the redevelopment of a community hub to ensure that it is accessible and meets the needs of the local community.

Participation in this project was voluntary. Personal information is not used or shared without express consent — read more about our privacy policy here.

For further information please contact The Plug-in on (08) 8224 5526 or email connect@theplugin.com.au