OARS Program
Older Adult Research Specialists are members from the community who have been trained in the OARS program to and are eligible for hire to join research teams to provide peer-to-peer connection between the older adult community and research.
The Role
Older Adult Research Specialists are hired onto research teams serving in a variety of roles:
OARS play a key role in identifying and developing solutions to help researchers in academia and industry recruit and retain diverse older adults more effectively for research studies. They contribute a range of skills and knowledge to create resources that inform older adults about research studies. These resources include details about key findings, the impact of research on older adult health, and clear explanations of specific studies, including what participation entails.
OARS serve to educate older adults in communities and co-workers on research teams, with their contributions providing key considerations for including older adults in research
OARS connect with diverse groups across communities and serve as liaisons who can help build bridges by more effectively communicating older adults about opportunities to participate in research, what participation will involve, and research findings.
OARS Training
OARS Training is currently closed. Please check back in Summer 2026 to learn more about the future of the program.
The Benefits to Hiring An OAR
- Provides an intergenerational approach to team success, proven that intergenerational teams are more successful
- Provides a Peer-to-Peer interaction with community members for recruitment and engagement
- Flexible working schedules to better meet the needs of the research project
- Dedication to the research initiative