ABSTRACT
Older adults represent the world’s fastest-growing demographic but their active involvement in the research process, especially with regard to data analysis, continues to be low. To address this crucial gap in both research practice and literature, this chapter reviews existing approaches to engaging older adults in qualitative and, less commonly so, quantitative data analysis. In doing so, it examines in which contexts older adults have served or could serve as analysis consultants, collaborators, or leaders. It also discusses the benefits and challenges associated with inviting older adults into the analysis process: On the one hand, this age group can contribute unique viewpoints and draw on a lifetime of experience and expertise that others, such as younger researchers, do not possess. Co-analysis can also serve as a source of self-confidence, empowerment, networking opportunities, and skill development. On the other hand, involving older adults in data analyses typically requires resources and time to train them while bearing the risks of attrition, skewed results, and power imbalances between researchers and older adults. Joint data analysis may also expose older adults to data that are confidential, elicit negative affect, or reinforce age-related stereotypes. As a result, the chapter closes with questions researchers should consider in order to navigate the co-analysis process more effectively. These include questions about how control over and credit for the collaboration are being shared, whether and how older adults are being compensated for their involvement, which types of data older adults may encounter, and which steps can be taken to make the results of co-analysis more representative.
