SeniorWISE Study Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers about SeniorWISE

Who is sponsoring the project ?
The research study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.

What is SeniorWISE?
SeniorWISE is a series of informative and fun classes on topics related to aging where people can learn and develop their strategies for successful aging. Project staff and class teachers will be working with participants from 10 sites in Austin.
I might want to participate in the study.

How do I qualify?
You may qualify if you are over 65 years old and living independently in the community.
One person per household will be interviewed, and paid for participating; however, both individuals may attend the classes.You will be interviewed by a healthcare professional during the screening process.
Will I be paid to participate in the study?
Participants in the study will be paid everytime they complete a step in the study (see SeniorWISE Steps below) But more important than earning a little extra cash, is the fact that participants will learn strategies for successful aging. They will also be helping develop knowledge about aging which can benefit future generations.
Participants will be assigned to a series of classes covering Health and Successful Aging topics including:Drug Interactions, Healthy Bones, Alternative Medicine, Weight Management, Memory Improvement.

How much time will participating in the study take?
Someone participating in the project will attend 12 classes and 5 interviews over 26 months.
What if I decide to drop out of the study?
Your participation is completely voluntary, so you may stop at any time. This will not affect any future relations with your community center or the University.
I am interested in this program; how do I apply?
Call the SeniorWISE project office (471-8208) to talk with a staff person about eligibility. SeniorWISE staff may then set up an interview at your convenience.Who do I talk to if I have some more questions?
The aims of the Improving Everyday Memory Study are to determine:

(1) the effects of the memory training intervention on memory self-efficacy, metamemory, anxiety, depression, memory performance, and instrumental activities of daily living;
(2) whether the memory intervention will affect the distal functional outcome through its effect on the mediator variables and the proximal outcome of memory performance; and
(3) the participants' views of the most and least helpful aspects of the memory intervention.