The elderly Albury residents are helping solve a medical mystery: can daily aspirin use prevent disease?

Trial co-ordinator Gillian O’Brien said about 16,500 Australians were involved in the trial, including about 600 people in North East Victoria.

The “aspirin in reducing events in the elderly” trial aims to find if the popular drug’s benefits outweigh the risks for healthy older Australians.

“We like to feel a bit useful sometimes,” Father Ginns said.

“When you get to 76 you’re limited in what you can do.

“So at least we’re doing something for the community, and the community of the world.”

The couple take daily doses of either aspirin or a placebo.

Both do not know if they have been taking the drug or the placebo since starting the trial 12 months ago.

Neither has noticed an improvement or decline in their health while on the trial.

“It’s an opportunity to find out how change can happen, and change for the better,” Mrs Ginns said.

“There’s a lot to do with aging that comes quite suddenly and you’re not sure why this may be the case.”

Participants receive regular check ups.