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University of Iowa News Release
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March 7, 2007 UI STAR Registry Helps Adults Age 50 And Older Take Part In Studies
To help solve this problem, the University of Iowa Center on Aging has developed a registry of research volunteers, Seniors Together in Aging Research (STAR), to help connect individuals who are interested in participating in research studies with UI investigators who seek research volunteers. People age 50 and older who are healthy, as well as those with medical conditions, are invited to enroll in the STAR Registry. Once they are registered, individuals may be contacted by STAR Registry staff about participating in research studies for which they would qualify. Signing up for the STAR Registry in no way obligates a person to participate in any research studies; the choice is up to the individual, and participation in any research study is voluntary. Research can lead to important discoveries that may eventually improve lives in many ways. Research studies involving people may address medical and health-related concerns, as well as social issues, and can lead to the development of new therapies to treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes, new vaccines and improved ways to stop smoking. Some types of research activities that volunteers may be offered include: take a survey, participate in a clinical trial or share opinions. Although research participants may not always benefit directly from being in a study, they may be helping others or future generations. For some studies, compensation is available. To learn more about the STAR Registry at the UI Center on Aging, call 319-335-7569 or toll-free 866-393-4603, e-mail coa-star@uiowa.edu or visit the website at www.centeronaging.uiowa.edu/star. STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Health Science Relations, 5137 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1178 MEDIA CONTACT: Becky Soglin, 319-335-6660, becky-soglin@uiowa.edu PROGRAM CONTACT: Victoria L. Struzynski Olson, research coordinator, STAR Registry at the UI Center on Aging, 319-335-7569; toll-free 866-393-4603, e-mail coa-star@uiowa.edu
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Iowa ranks fourth among states in percentage of residents age 65 and older, and second in percentage of those age 85 and older. Yet researchers often have difficulty recruiting people from these higher age groups.