Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Expected trends in population ageing and the burden of age related chronic diseases underscore the need for high quality epidemiological studies of older adults (eg, people aged 60 years and older). However, research on older adults poses unique challenges and methodological issues. Inconsistency in how the existing literature approaches these issues might contribute to observed heterogeneity in research findings and clinical uncertainty in optimal treatment and prevention guidelines. We discuss four methodological issues in ageing research (selection bias, multimorbidity, measurement error, and long latency periods) and summarise key approaches to evaluate and reduce bias. While excellent summaries of methodological challenges in epidemiological research more generally are available, 1 2 we focus on issues particularly salient for studies of older adults.
Source: BMJ Medicine
Authors: Emma Nichols, Eleanor Hayes-Larson
Institution: University of Southern California
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics and Probability
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,679
OpenAlex ID: W4413916657