Registrations for this project have now closed. Thank you to everyone who registered their interest in being involved.

The Plug-in, supported by Office for Ageing Well and Wellbeing SA, undertook research to explore how older South Australians navigate major social, environmental and economic events and the resulting impacts, with a particular focus on older people living in regional centres.

Through this project, we learnt about the experiences of participants over the past few years, what major events had been experienced, and how individuals and community responded to and worked through the impacts they had on your everyday life. Experiences ranged from natural disasters such as bushfire and drought, through to the economic and social changes that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why this project is important

The findings of this study will inform local programs in your area and be shared with decision-makers in state and local government, local health networks, not-for-profit organisations and other service providers with the intent of improving everyday life for older South Australians.

Stage 1 — Survey — COMPLETE

In the first stage of this project, we surveyed South Australians to understand the major environmental and social events experienced, as well as individual perceptions of the impacts of these events. We also explored lifestyle, technology and how it is used, and access to services.

Stage 2 — Focus Groups and Phone Interviews – COMPLETE

Stage two of this project delved deeper into themes emerging from the survey conducted in Stage 1 of this project. Focus groups were run in across South Australia, mostly in regional areas, to understand in depth the impacts on local communities as a result of major environmental events and social change.

Eligible participants were:

  • Aged 50 years or over;
  • Willing to share experiences; and
  • Able to attend a 90-minute focus group in person
    OR
    able to take part in a 45-minute phone/video interview.

Focus groups and interviews were run in:

  • City of Onkaparinga
  • City of Playford
  • Kadina
  • Peterborough
  • Strathalbyn
  • Tanunda
  • Whyalla

Participants of focus groups received a $40 gift card in recognition of their time and involvement. Those who participated in an interview received $30 as a thank you for their time.

Your contributions make a difference to the lives of older South Australians.

Participant information will remain confidential in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles.

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

The Plug-in was supported by Office for Ageing Well and Wellbeing SA to undertake this research.

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