Frequently Asked Questions
What is the study about?
The National Survey of American Life is an important study that will help researchers understand aging, health, and community across America.
The 25 year follow up seeks to return to the same participants who we interviewed in 2001-2003 to find out how their lives have changed in the past 25 years. We hope to gain a better understanding of matters relating to aging, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and other key issues.
The results of this study will provide critical information for researchers, policymakers and anyone looking to understand aging in America.
Why should I participate?
We are particularly interested in YOUR life and YOUR stories, to ensure people like you are reflected in the data which will be used to guide scientific research for many years to come.
Since you were part of the original NSAL study in 2001-2003, your current responses will be connected to your previous participation, which will give researchers a richer understanding of how lives change over time.
Am I eligible?
This study is seeking to reinterview the same people that were part of the National Survey of American Life in 2001-2003. Interviewers from the University of Michigan will be reaching out to these individuals via mailings, phone calls, and in-person visits. If you heard from us, this means you are eligible!
How will the interviews be completed?
A trained interviewer employed by the University of Michigan will come to your home to talk to you. The interviews will be done in your home, at a time that is convenient for you. The interview is expected to take about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
If you prefer to meet outside of the home in a public location such as a library, the interviewer will be happy to arrange that. Additionally, a shorter telephone interview is available as an option for some participants.
Interviews will be audio-recorded for research purposes.
What questions will you ask?
We will ask questions about you, your household, your life history, your health, your neighborhood, and your community. You are always allowed to skip questions you don’t want to answer. We expect the interview to take approximately two hours.
What health measurements will you take?
Your interview will include measurement of your waist, your height and weight, and your blood pressure. Additionally, the interviewer will ask certain questions that are designed to understand your cognitive function.
After the interview, a phlebotomist will come to your house to collect a blood sample which will be used to understand your health. After the blood sample is collected, you will receive your results in the mail.
Additionally, instead of asking you questions about your medications, we will request access your pharmacy records and clinical lab test results for up to the last 7 years. This includes a list of prescription drugs that you have received from your pharmacist or by mail order. This will help us better understand your health.
What happens to my answers?
Your answers will be used for research. They will be combined with answers from many other people. The results will only be reported for groups of people, and not for specific individuals. You will never be named in any reports about the study.
Will I receive any results from my blood draw?
Yes, certain blood test results that are most relevant to your health will be returned to you by mail so you can share this information with your doctor.
What about my privacy?
We are very committed to protecting your privacy. This study will follow strict rules to protect your answers. Your name is replaced with a study number. Your name, address and telephone number will be kept in secure files and will be separated from the answers you provide. Only the research team will see your individual answers.
We have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help ensure your privacy. This certificate protects researchers from being forced to release any research information that identifies you.
Do I have to participate?
Your participation is completely voluntary. Saying “yes” or “no” to being in the study will not change any benefits you get now or in the future. You can skip any question you do not want to answer. You can participate in the survey without having physical or other measurements taken (like height, weight or blood collection).
Your participation is very important to the study’s success. We hope you will participate in the whole study and help us achieve the study goals.
Will I be paid for participating?
You will receive $100 for participating in the in person interview, cognitive assessment and physical assessments (height, weight, and blood pressure). You will receive an additional $50 for giving a blood sample. If you complete a telephone interview, you will receive $40.
Who is funding the study?
This research is funded by the National Institutes Health.
Collaborating Institutions:
- University of Michigan
- University of California – Los Angeles
- Wayne State University
- Michigan State University
- University of Miami
- Arizona State University
Who do I contact for more information?
Call Toll Free: (800) 759-7947
The Institutional Review Board at the University of Michigan has reviewed and approved this research for compliance with local, state and federal policies and regulations regarding the ethical treatment of human participants in research.
