P35: Advancing-Age-Related Issues Queried through an Exploratory Survey

Abstract

Summary: Advancing Age-Related Issues Queried through an Exploratory Survey consists of qualitative and quantitative gero-research focusing on volunteers aged seventy and over.

The queries focus on geriatric issues regarding internalized self-discrimination and societally imposed direct and indirect discrimination. The survey Methods applies 2-3 multiple-choice inquiries, while some responses can be expounded upon. As the study is exploratory one of its goals is to lead to more questions on the issue of discrimination.

The study originally aimed at quantitatively collecting and processing response results, harvested through surveys from older adults who reside in The United Kingdom (England), Mexico and in Ireland. With that intention in mind, one of the study’s researchers (Doyle) took to the field but multifactorial logistics, sociocultural incongruencies and other challenges, would increase the time frame which she would need to run the survey as originally constructed as it held a qualitative, comparative component, which was planned for a co-project. She also discovered that a mosaic of distinct subsets of interviewees existed within each of the three survey regions and that would require reworking the original study.

The study-in-the-making was thus simplified to be effectuated with just one group of older adults – those survey participants who reside in Mexico. Reflecting on the challenges of running the original survey would become aa valuable part of the learning overall process.

Objectives: Through the application of an exploratory survey this mixed study seeks to identify patterns related to self-reported and internalized discrimination, and to direct and non-direct discrimination by third parties which impacts older adults. This survey serves as a brief pilot study with a more comprehensive study to thence follow.

Process: This study is being conducted through an anonymous and simple survey which consists of twelve inquiries– some which may be optionally expounded upon.

Methods: Before starting the survey, each prospective participant provides basic demographic data. For ease of comparing response data quantitatively, a 2–3-point multiple-choice format has been established with “yes”, “no” and “non-applicable” or a like-kind concrete response, being the available options. Basic, non-identifying demographic data includes the respondents birth year, type of living arrangement, educational level attained, and mobility level.

Inclusive criteria includes that each prospective participant is seventy years old or older.

All tentative participants are required to voice their express consent to participate. After each survey has been completed (or stopped, by the participant) they will be given a small lapel sticker identifying their participation.

Results: An evaluation of the survey responses will be effectuated, while a scientifically based over-arching reflection of the challenges presented which thwarted the development of the original study will be recognized.

Conclusions: Infographic, bar charts (captioned in English & Spanish) comparing survey responses through the group of survey respondents based in Mexico, will become accessible in poster format, in September of 2024.