Methodological Considerations in Surveys of Older Adults: Technology Matters

Surveys of adults over the age of 55 have unique methodological considerations, which typically concern the physiological and psychological factors associated with age-related declines in cognitive functioning and health. Though significant, these comprise a limited view of the way in which older adults differ from the general population. Lower rates of adoption and use of newer information and communication technologies and concerns about privacy in the online environment are other ways which this population is distinct, and should be considered in survey research. As surveys grow more technologically advanced, older adults too may regard data collection practices differently than younger adults, leading to varying rates of participation and response. This paper reviews the literature on the methodological issues inherent in surveying older adults, and analyzes data collected in a large telephone survey to provide further evidence that technology adoption and use should be considered as a cultural practice of this subpopulation, a view which holds additional methodological implications for survey research. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]