Target population is defined as the full set of persons, groups, or communities who could ultimately benefit from the research findings. Considering the target population can help research teams identify appropriate study populations and avoid exclusions that limit participation.
Team is defined broadly to include team members with expertise in aging research and interdisciplinary collaborations as well as contributions from participants, families, communities, and healthcare partners. Thinking of the study team broadly can help ensure the team can effectively support inclusion of older adults.
Time describes the research team time, the pace of study tasks, and the time burden on participants. Study teams should anticipate additional time needed when working with older adults, while considering individual participant time constraints.
Tips to accommodate include recommendations to anticipate and address age-related limitations to participation. These tips include general recommendations, such as budgeting for transportation, as well as specific accommodations for physical, cognitive, and sensory limitations.
Tools are tangible instruments, devices, aids, or materials that can be shared across studies. Study teams should understand what is important to the target population and include tools to measure this.
The 5Ts website builds on this framework by providing practical advice for designing and conducting inclusive research studies. Research teams can search for timely and helpful recommendations that are relevant to their study, download resources for their study team to use, or contact us to receive 5Ts updates and news.