The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), a leading national non-profit organization whose mission is to support and advance healthy aging through biomedical research, has selected FINN Partners, a global full-service marketing and communications agency, to support its national campaign to recruit people age 95 or older and their adult children into a multi-year study investigating factors that contribute to healthy aging.
The SuperAgers Family Study, led by AFAR and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in collaboration with Boston University School of Medicine, aims to enroll 10,000 SuperAgers and their adult children, to understand the genetic and lifestyle factors that lead to longer lives. A national database of DNA samples and survey results will contribute to future aging research and new age-related therapies. After an initial launch in late 2023 paired with grassroots outreach, AFAR has selected FINN Partners to create a national campaign to increase awareness of the study and support participant enrollment.
“While many factors could contribute to healthy aging, researchers believe rare genetic variants contribute to ‘super’ aging,” said Stephanie Lederman, EdM, Executive Director of AFAR. “We’re excited to work with FINN Partners to encourage eligible families to join this study that will provide data and insights that will benefit a wide range of research working to help us all live healthier, longer.”
FINN Partners brings significant experience in clinical trial recruitment to the assignment, having supported global clinical trials for numerous pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, research organizations, and providers of clinical trial support services and technologies. Through its Clinical Trial Group, led by Chantal Beaudry, Senior Partner, FINN leverages omni-channel communications tools – including customer research, advocacy, digital targeting, and site-specific communication – to reach healthcare providers and potential participants.
“Often, research studies are only seen as an option for patients with significant health challenges, but many studies like the SuperAgers Family Study are seeking important information to improve health and longevity,” said Beaudry. “Our goal is to encourage more people to see research and clinical trials as a core part of the healthcare spectrum. FINN’s integrated approach enables us to identify the right people for the right trials to accelerate enrollment. We’re privileged to support AFAR and the SuperAgers Family Study.”
Founded through James Fickel and the Fickel Family Foundation, the SuperAgers Family Study seeks to enroll family Triads: people age 95 or older, their adult child, and the child’s spouse. Eligible potential participants can join the SuperAgers Family Study by completing a survey on their health and a simple swab kit delivered to their homes. Participation in this trial takes approximately 1-2 hours. More information is available at www.superagersstudy.org.
