Methodological Considerations for Health and Wellness Research with Older Adults

The number and proportion of older adults in society continues to increase. Research with and about older adults is therefore important to grow our understanding of the ageing process and provide evidence on how best to maintain and optimise health and wellbeing in later life from a broad ecological perspective. Research can inform the development of effective strategies to address the many functional, social and health challenges that accompany transitions in later life. This chapter will highlight the demographic changes associated with an ageing society and review some of the changes that are associated with the ageing process, their impact, and how these should influence both the approach to and procedures used in research with older adults. Practical advice is provided on three common ways by which data is collected from older adults in health-related social research: surveys, interviews and focus groups. A number of factors critical to the successful application of these techniques as part of research with older adults are highlighted. Consideration of these in the development of a research plan will ensure that the techniques chosen are more likely to be “fit for purpose” with this group.