Asking the age question in elderly populations: a reverse record check study.
In two large-scale surveys among elderly respondents we evaluated the accuracy of answers obtained to three differently formulated age questions. Respondents included 6,149 individuals aged 65-86 living in The Netherlands. Because criterion age data were available from different sources, it was possible to compare the respondent's reported age with his or her actual age. Refusal rates were low for all three questions. Both age and cognitive capabilities influenced accuracy of the answers to the age questions. The results indicated that the most accurate data were obtained with the question, "What is your date of birth?" in combination with interview date.
Smit
J H
JH
Department of Sociology and Social Gerontology, Free University, The Netherlands. JH.Smit@scw.vu.nl
Deeg
D J
DJ
Schmand
B A
BA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires