Cornell researchers have identified a need for older adult research subjects and have consistently reported challenges in recruiting subjects in an efficient and productive manner. In response, Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging (CITRA) has maintained a vigorous program to address the challenges of subject recruitment for translational research projects by forging successful relationships with community agencies and organizations in the New York City area. The NYC senior centers have come to constitute a very large respondent pool that has led to many successful community-research partnerships.

In October, 2007, CITRA launched a small, yet fruitful, initiative to extend the older adult respondent pool concept to Tompkins County, NY. The project leaders began this effort by recruiting adults from Tompkins County, age 60 or older. Subjects were recruited by telephone, leading to an initial pool of 200 potential subjects. Telephone recruitments are currently being conducted to double the size of the pool. In addition to recruiting subjects, staff collected basic information from respondents including previous research study experience, availability, mobility, and demographics including race, age, education, income, occupation, marital status, and language.

Researchers at Cornell interested in recruiting older respondents into their studies have access to this pool by applying to CITRA. In the first six months of operation, three researchers at Cornell-Ithaca have applied and received samples from the CITRA Older Adult Research Subject Pool for use in their individual research projects. They have reported rates of participation as high as 95%. The availability of a subject pool is a major incentive to new researchers to attempt translational research studies. Project leaders have submitted an abstract for a scientific presentation on the subject pool and anticipate publishing at least one article on this model.

CITRA is one of ten Edward R. Roybal Centers on Applied Gerontology nationwide. CITRA promotes evidence-based practice, systematic dissemination of information, and intervention studies involving the aging population. CITRA's on-line resources include downloadable publications on translating research to practice, research-community partnerships, conference summaries, trusted websites for information on aging, and much more.

For Further Information contact Leslie Schultz, ls30@cornell.edu.