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Using Existing Data Sets to Study Aging and the Elderly: An Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Charlyn Black
Charlyn Black
Affiliation:
University of Manitoba
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Abstract

The advancement of computer systems has led to the existence of large and detailed existing computerized data sets, many of which contain useful information for studying the elderly and the aging process. This paper identifies several types of existing large data bases and provides examples of each. Strengths and weaknesses of working with existing data are discussed and strategies for conducting secondary data analysis of large data sets are outlined. Existing data sets represent large investments in the collection of individual data and have great potential to provide answers to important questions in the field of aging research.

Résumé

Le dévéloppement des systèmes d'information a permis la création de vastes banques de données informatisées détaillées, dont bon nombre contiennent des renseignements pertinents à la recherche sur les personnes âgées et le vieillissement. Cet article cite plusieurs types de banques de données exhaustives et fournit des exemples de chacun. Il présente ensuite les points forts et les points faibles des études menées à l'aide de données déjà existantes, puis souligne des stratégies pour l'analyse de données secondaires. Les banques de données déjà en place exigent beaucoup d'efforts dans la compilation de données individuelles et offrent d'immenses possibilités pour répondre aux questions importantes en matière de recherche sur le vieillissement.

Keywords

AgingComputerized DatabasesMicrodataSecondary Data AnalysisData Linkage.Vieillissementfichiers infirmatisésmicro-donnéesanalyse de données secondaireappariement de fichiers.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 14 , Issue S1 , Été/Summer 1995 , pp. 135 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1995

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